Nigeria: Cross River to set up cement plant and quarry

The Cross River State Government has secured operational licenses from the Federal Government to establish its own cement plant and limestone quarry in Akamkpa.

George O’Ben-Etchi, Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development: "According to the governor’s plan, the two projects amongst other things, will feed the construction of Super Highway Project."

The Commissioner warned that the ministry would no longer tolerate illegal deals by quarry companies. "We are saddled with finding out those who have or do not have licences, those whose licences have expired and have renewed or have refused to renew them in order to take them up to the appropriate authorities," he said.

Mr O’Ben-Etchi said that efforts were being made by the government to involve the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in providing motorable roads in the mining communities.

"Since one of the major challenges the operators are faced with is bad road network, we have started discussions on how the NDDC can be brought in to build roads to ease the movement of trucks to and from the mining sites," he said.