DR. ABBAS WAZIRI CHAMPIONS BAUCHI’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION THROUGH $1.5bn CEMENT PROJECT

BY

CHINEDU NSOFOR

In an era when Nigeria’s industrial potential is gaining attention on the global stage, Dr. Abbas Waziri stands out as a trailblazer in the nation’s march towards economic self-sufficiency. As a serial entrepreneur and versatile investor, his visionary leadership has not only transformed the business landscape but is now set to reshape the entire economic trajectory of Bauchi State through his latest venture—Resident Cement Company Limited.

On August 7, 2024, at 7:46 PM, Dr. Waziri’s conglomerate took a monumental step towards cementing Bauchi’s future as an industrial powerhouse. Resident Cement Company Limited signed a historic $1.5 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bauchi State Government to establish a cement production plant in the Gwana District of Alkaleri Local Government Area. This agreement marks the birth of an industrial revolution that promises to not only spur growth in the cement industry but also provide life-changing benefits to the people of Bauchi.

The scale of the project is unprecedented. Once operational, the plant will produce 10 million tonnes of cement annually, beginning with a 3 million tonne capacity in just two and a half years. But beyond the sheer volume of production, Dr. Waziri’s vision extends further. The development also includes the construction of a 100-megawatt zero-carbon emission coal power plant, a dam to provide necessary resources, and essential infrastructure like truck parking spaces. The venture is not just a business initiative but a multifaceted effort to support the host community with social amenities and power supply, heralding a new chapter in sustainable industrialization.

Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed, who witnessed the signing, lauded Dr. Waziri’s commitment and affirmed his administration’s dedication to ensuring the smooth execution of the project. “Bauchi is open for business, and we are committed to creating an investor-friendly environment that will foster economic growth,” the governor stated. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state government, the federal government, and private investors like Dr. Waziri to unlock the state’s vast potential.

Governor Mohammed’s administration has shown unwavering support for investors, especially those, like Dr. Waziri, who bring significant value to the state’s economy. The governor reassured the public of his efforts to remove administrative bottlenecks and ensure security for investments, further cementing Bauchi as a rising star in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

The MoU was signed in the presence of key government officials, including the State Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mohammed Maiwada Bello, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub SAN, who both hailed the initiative as a significant development for Bauchi State.

For Dr. Waziri, this is more than a business venture. It is a chance to fulfill his lifelong dream of creating opportunities for Nigerians, particularly the youth. He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Mohammed for his support and foresight in recognizing the importance of the cement factory to the region’s development. Dr. Waziri also reaffirmed his belief in the state’s vast untapped potential, pledging to work tirelessly to ensure that the project delivers on its promises of economic prosperity and job creation.

This project, the first of its kind in Bauchi, signals the beginning of an industrial renaissance that will uplift the state’s economy, create thousands of jobs, and provide lasting benefits for the local population. With Dr. Waziri at the helm, Resident Cement Company Limited is set to become a cornerstone of Bauchi’s future, contributing not just to Nigeria’s cement industry but also to the nation’s drive towards sustainability and innovation.

As a leader known for his tenacity, business acumen, and dedication to Nigeria’s economic advancement, Dr. Abbas Waziri exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking entrepreneurship that the nation needs. His investment in Bauchi State is more than a business transaction; it is a commitment to transforming lives, empowering communities, and paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.