President Goodluck Jonathan said today that the country will likely stop the importation of cement by the first quarter of next year.

 

He said he arrived at the conviction following a recent meeting he had with cement manufacturers who assured him of the terminal date of cement import. Nigeria had previously set 2013 to end cement importation.

 

Jonathan who spoke today at the opening of the Ewekoro 11 cement plant of Lafarge WAPCO said the government is committed to maintain backward integration to guaranteeing self sufficiency in the sector.

 

He commended Lafarge for building the plant, stressing that the development showed the trust the company had in the country.

 

He also advocated the need for the diversification of the economy.

 

Speaking, the company's chairman, Olusegun Osunkeye said that the new plant would contribute N6bn yearly to the economy. He said that this will be done through taxes and salaries, adding that the plant will create 1,000 additional jobs.

 

Ogun state governor, Ibikunie Amousun tasked the company to consider corporate social responsibility for local communities in health and education. 

 

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