Communities hosting the Nigerian Cement Company (Nigercem Plc) in Ebonyi State have openly rejected the state government’s plan to establish a new cement factory, warning that the move endangers their land rights and the survival of Nigercem itself.
In a strongly worded letter dated January 7, 2026, and forwarded to Governor Francis Nwifuru through their legal representatives, Gamzaki Law Chambers, the affected communities raised alarm over what they described as attempts to sideline existing agreements and judicial decisions. The communities involved include Nkalagu, Umuhuali, Amezu, and Nkalaha, all located in Ishielu Local Government Area.
They accused unnamed political interests of working to undermine legally binding arrangements surrounding Nigercem Plc. According to the letter, Ibeto Group lawfully acquired majority ownership of the cement company in 2010 and became its principal investor. The communities recalled that the subsequent withdrawal of Ibeto Group’s mining lease by a former state administration was contested in court, with rulings between 2010 and 2013 favouring both the investor and the host communities.
The communities also referenced campaign assurances made by the current administration, pledging collaboration with Ibeto Group to revive Nigercem. While acknowledging the formation of a 15-member committee in August 2025 to engage stakeholders, they expressed disappointment that its findings have not been released.
Their concerns deepened following the governor’s announcement during the 2026 budget presentation of plans to secure a ₦150 billion loan for the construction of a new state-owned cement plant. They further alleged that a meeting held on December 31, 2025, produced a controversial “consent letter” that sought to nullify earlier agreements granted to Ibeto Group.
The host communities argued that the proposed site for the new cement plant lacks viable limestone deposits and would ultimately rely on limestone located within Nigercem host lands. They also dismissed the legitimacy of what they described as an unauthorized group claiming to represent their interests.
While stating that they are not opposed to development or genuine efforts to revive Nigercem Plc, the communities warned against any plan that would reduce their land to a mere quarry or deprive them of long-term economic benefits through political maneuvering.
They called on Governor Nwifuru to organize an inclusive town hall meeting, stop unauthorized representations, clarify the government’s technical and financial capacity to revive Nigercem, and suspend any action that could alter ownership or mineral rights without broad consultation.
The communities concluded by expressing willingness to engage constructively but emphasized that they would resist any arrangement that compromises their rights or future for political convenience. Efforts to obtain comments from the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.