By Edem Ekpo
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has expressed delight over additional investments by cement manufacturing giant, Lafarge Africa, now Holcim Cement, particularly in waste management and infrastructure.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to provide a safe, stable, and serene environment for businesses to thrive. He gave the assurance while receiving a high-powered delegation of Holcim Cement at Government House, Calabar.
“We have come a long way together. What excites me most is that beyond cement, you are now bringing additional investments in areas such as waste management and infrastructure. This marriage will be a strong one,” Otu stated.
He emphasized the need to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Cross River and Holcim, describing it as mutually beneficial. The governor commended the company for its corporate social responsibility initiatives which, he noted, had benefitted host communities and improved livelihoods.
Reaffirming his government’s readiness to partner with Holcim Cement in infrastructure development, including jetties, terminals, and other projects, Otu explained that the state’s natural endowments and development plans have positioned Cross River as a prime destination for global investors.
Commending the delegation, he expressed optimism that the partnership would open new frontiers of growth, job creation, and prosperity in line with his administration’s People First agenda.
Vice President of Holcim Cement, Mr. Xu Gang, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to deepening its investments in Nigeria, especially in Cross River. He praised the state government and host communities for their support, promising greater contributions in skills development, knowledge transfer, and corporate social responsibility.
“We did not come just to acquire Lafarge. Our vision is to expand and invest more in people, and grow their capacity. We are committed to supporting local communities and making Cross River a model for sustainable investment,” Gang remarked.
Group Managing Director and CEO of Lafarge Africa PLC, Mr. Lolu Alade Akinyemi, described the Mfamosing plant as the largest cement facility in Nigeria and an asset to the national economy. He also commended Governor Otu as a dependable ally of industry who has prioritized peace and investor confidence.
“Lafarge Africa is part and parcel of Cross River. With Holcim as our new majority shareholder, we are confident that the future holds even greater opportunities in employment, training, and sustainable development for our host communities,” Akinyemi assured.
The visit followed Holcim’s recent acquisition of majority shares in Lafarge Africa, underscoring the multinational’s plan to expand its footprint in Nigeria beyond cement to include waste management and infrastructure solutions.
Background
Lafarge Africa has operated in Cross River for decades, with its Mfamosing plant in Akamkpa Local Government Area serving as one of the largest cement plants in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the years, the company has contributed to local development through employment, community projects, and industrial growth.
With Holcim Group’s acquisition of a majority stake in Lafarge Africa, the company is repositioning itself as a leader not only in cement production but also in sustainable solutions such as waste management and infrastructure. This transition is expected to deepen Cross River’s role as an industrial hub and attract new streams of foreign direct investment to the state.