The Kebbi Government, on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the MSM Cement Ltd., to establish a three million tons per annum capacity cement factory in the state.

The MoU was signed by Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi and the Chairman of the company, Alhaji Mu’azzam Mairawani at the Kebbi Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

In his remark, the Gov.

He said that the establishment of the cement factory in Kebbi was a privilege, adding that there were other places that wish to have “this kind of opportunity but they didn’t have it.

“And also couple 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.

“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.”

The governor, who said Kebbi and the Federal Government have a very good working relationship, thanked President Bola Tinubu for the recent award of some road contracts in the state, most importantly, Koko-Dabai road.

Earlier, the Chairman of MSM Cement Ltd., Mairawani said the event marks a significant milestone not only to the company but also the future of Nigeria’s cement industry and the economic landscape of Kebbi.

He said that the company was committed to the construction of modern cement factory in Kebbi using the latest technology to come to the market with a 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.

“Today, we are not just signing a document but we are lying the foundation of transformative journey that would reshape the industrial and infrastructure frame work of Kebbi and Nigeria at large,” he noted

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said: “The factory, which is a huge investment by MSM group is expected to create 20,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs.

“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.

“So, it is very much in line with his commitment, with his policy and his strategy to stabilise the economy, so that private sector investment can come in, invest, increase the productivity, grow the economy, create jobs and thereby reduce poverty.”

Also, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, commended Kebbi governor for convincing investors to invest in the state.

The minister noted that investing in Nigeria wouldn’t have been possible if investors are not confident with the measures put in place by President Tinubu.

“The totality of the reforms that are undertaken by Mr President are reforms that ensure that we are not choosing winners.

“We have created a level playing ground, so that entrepreneurs who are willing to compete, entrepreneurs who are willing to play in a rule-based environment that is evolving are playing.

“And as Mr President has encouraged all state governors that he stands willing to support each and every state,” Atiku-Bagudu said. (NAN)