BUA Cement PLC has successfully commissioned its fifth production line (Line V) at the Sokoto cement plant in 2024, adding 3 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) to the state's industrial capacity. This expansion reinforces Sokoto State's position as the largest cement production hub in Northwestern Nigeria and one of the most significant in West Africa.
The new production line represents a substantial investment in modern cement manufacturing technology, incorporating advanced environmental controls and efficient production processes. BUA Cement's Sokoto operations now have a combined capacity that positions the company as a major employer and economic contributor in the region.
**Strategic Location and Resources**
Sokoto State's selection as BUA Cement's major production hub is no accident. The state possesses Africa's largest limestone reserves, with high-quality deposits in the Kalambaina, Dange, and Wurno formations. A geological survey estimated that the Kalambaina formation alone contains over 100 million tonnes of cement-grade limestone, ensuring long-term resource availability for the industry.
The cement plant, located strategically in Sokoto, serves as the largest private employer in Northwest Nigeria, providing direct employment to thousands and supporting countless indirect jobs through its supply chain and distribution networks.
**Economic Impact**
Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has commended BUA Cement's continued investment in the state, noting that the expansion aligns perfectly with the state government's industrialization and job creation agenda. The governor emphasized that such private sector investments are crucial to Sokoto's economic transformation and the state's 2025 budget focus on "Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability."
The new production line is expected to generate significant revenue for the state through taxes and levies while providing affordable building materials for construction projects across Northern Nigeria and neighboring countries including Niger Republic and Benin Republic.
**Expansion Plans**
BUA Cement has announced plans to further expand its Sokoto operations, targeting a total installed capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum. This ambitious expansion plan demonstrates investor confidence in Sokoto State's business environment and the stability of its policies.
The company's Managing Director, Yusuf Binji, revealed that BUA Cement has signed agreements with Chinese engineering firm CBMI for the continued expansion of production lines in Sokoto. This partnership will ensure the deployment of cutting-edge cement manufacturing technology and maintain Nigeria's competitiveness in the regional cement market.
**Infrastructure and Sustainability**
The Sokoto plant is equipped with ultra-modern gas turbines generating its own power supply, reducing dependence on the national grid and ensuring consistent production. The facility also includes advanced dust collection systems and environmental controls that exceed Nigerian industrial standards.
BUA Cement's investment in Sokoto demonstrates the viability of large-scale manufacturing in Northern Nigeria when supported by appropriate infrastructure, natural resources, and a conducive business environment. The state government's commitment to providing infrastructure and maintaining business-friendly policies has been instrumental in attracting and retaining such significant industrial investment.
For investors and developers, BUA Cement's success story in Sokoto offers valuable insights into the state's industrial potential and its readiness for large-scale PPP projects in manufacturing, processing, and related sectors.