The Ebonyi State Government is intensifying efforts to revive moribund industries and establish new industrial facilities as part of its strategy to create jobs, attract investment and strengthen the state’s economy.
One of the biggest components of the industrialisation drive is the proposed N150 billion cement factory in Nkalagu, which the state government has provided for in its 2026 budget.
The project comes amid challenges in efforts to revive the old Nigerian Cement Company (NIGERCEM), Nkalagu, a once-major industrial facility in the state.
The planned cement factory is expected to expand industrial activity in Ebonyi and create employment opportunities for residents when fully operational.
Beyond the proposed Nkalagu cement factory, the state government is also working on plans to revive several abandoned production facilities across Ebonyi.
The Director-General of the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Stephen Odo, disclosed that efforts were underway to revive the Ezzamgbo Pipe Production Company, Abakaliki Rice Mill and other industrial facilities.
According to him, restoring the industries would help Ebonyi diversify employment opportunities beyond the civil and public service sectors.
The move is also expected to encourage increased participation by private investors in the state’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.
The Ebonyi State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogugua Egwu, said the proposed industrial expansion could significantly improve employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economy if properly implemented.
Egwu, however, expressed concern about the pace of the process.
He said workers would be willing to support the industrial projects and ensure that qualified people were engaged when the facilities eventually become operational.
The labour leader stressed the importance of ensuring that workers were adequately protected as the state expands its industrial base.
The proposed cement factory in Nkalagu is particularly significant because of the historical importance of cement production to the area.
The revival of large-scale industrial activity in Nkalagu could generate opportunities across several sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, construction, logistics, retail and other businesses connected to the cement value chain.
Beyond direct employment, the project could stimulate economic activities for communities and small businesses operating around the industrial corridor.
Ebonyi’s industrialisation strategy is part of a broader push by some South-East states to expand manufacturing and create jobs.
While neighbouring Enugu State is working to revive several dormant industries, including Niger Gas, Sunrise Flour Mills and Enugu United Palm Products, Anambra State has largely chosen a private-sector-led approach.
Anambra’s strategy focuses on providing infrastructure and incentives to attract private investors rather than directly reviving state-owned enterprises.
For Ebonyi, however, the focus remains on unlocking the economic value of existing industrial assets while pursuing new investments capable of creating jobs and expanding the state’s productive capacity.
The revival of moribund industries remains a major economic opportunity for Ebonyi State.
Facilities such as the Nkalagu cement industry, Ezzamgbo Pipe Production Company and Abakaliki Rice Mill have the potential to support thousands of jobs and stimulate businesses across their respective value chains if successfully restored.
For a state where public and civil service employment remains a major source of livelihood, stakeholders believe a stronger manufacturing and industrial sector could provide alternative employment opportunities for young people and other residents.
The success of the industrialisation programme will, however, depend largely on the timely implementation of the projects, effective management of the facilities and sustained participation from private investors.
With the N150 billion Nkalagu cement factory already captured in the 2026 budget and plans underway to revive other industrial facilities, Ebonyi is positioning industrial development as a key pillar of its economic growth strategy.
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