According to NAN, the agreement was signed on Friday by Nasir Idris, Kebbi governor, and Mu’azzam Mairawani, chairman of MSM Cement Ltd, at the governor’s lodge in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the cement factory to operate and thrive.

He described the project as a major economic opportunity for Kebbi, noting its potential to generate thousands of jobs.

“And also coupled with reducing the number of unemployed youths, is also very key and important to us because the Chairman of MSM group said they are going to employ direct and indirect jobs of about 45,000,” Idris said.

“So, this is not a small thing. Honestly you have added value to us as people of Kebbi.

“I want to assure you that Kebbi will do everything possible to ensure that we provide an enabling environment for you to operate.

“The federal government will benefit, the State Government will benefit, apart from the company, even our people will also benefit.”

Idris thanked President Bola Tinubu for awarding several road contracts in the state, particularly the Koko-Dabai road.

In his remarks, chairman of MSM Cement Ltd. described the MoU signing as a major milestone for the company, Nigeria’s cement industry, and Kebbi’s economic landscape.

He affirmed the company’s commitment to constructing a modern cement factory in Kebbi using the latest technology, with the brand name ‘MSM Kebbi Cement’.

“The decision is not only for the availability of limestone deposits in Kebbi but for the welcoming attitude and business-friendly reception of the people of Kebbi and most encouraging, the good heart of the Kebbi governor,” Mairawani said.

“Today, we are not just signing a document but we are laying the foundation of [a] transformative journey that would reshape the industrial and infrastructure framework of Kebbi and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking at the event, Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, emphasised the plant’s strategic location (near Nigeria’s border), positioning it for export under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

“The factory, which is a huge investment by MSM Group is expected to create 20,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs,” Edun said.

“Let me say here that also given the border location of Kebbi, it means that this plant will be well situated to take advantage of manufactured exports.

“It will also take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement that is facilitating exports of manufactured goods all over the continent of Africa.

“This type of investment; the public sector facilitating investment by the private sector, domestic private investment, foreign direct investment, is exactly the type of transaction, the type of outcome, the type of result that President Tinubu, has been working to bring to fruition.”

The minister added that the project aligns with the president’s commitment, policy and strategy for economic stabilisation, enabling private sector investment to drive productivity, expand the economy, generate employment, and ultimately reduce poverty.

Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, also praised the initiative, commending the governor for attracting investors to Kebbi.

He noted that investment in Nigeria is only possible because investors have confidence in the measures implemented by Tinubu.