GOMBE State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, earlier today, met with the management of Ashaka Cement Plc, led by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Aminu, to deepen the long-standing partnership between the State Government and the company.
The meeting focused on strengthening synergy in key areas, including job creation for the teeming youth population, environmental stewardship, expansion of the state’s revenue base and sustained support for communities hosting the cement plant.
During the engagement, the management of Ashaka Cement briefed the Governor on the recent change in ownership of the company, following acquisition by Huaxin Cement of China.
The Managing Director explained that Huaxin Cement, with over 100 years of experience in cement manufacturing and operations in several countries, is bringing renewed investment, advanced technical expertise and global best practices to Ashaka Cement.
He disclosed that Huaxin has already announced plans to expand the company’s production capacity by an additional two million tonnes per annum.
According to him, the expansion is expected to create more employment opportunities, increase internally generated revenue (IGR) for the state and enhance corporate social responsibility programmes in host communities and across the state.
The Managing Director further revealed that Ashaka Cement, currently the highest taxpayer in the North East and the largest employer of labour in Gombe State after government, is set to commission its 16-megawatt power plant.
The facility, which has provisions for future expansion, is expected to ease electricity challenges within the company’s operations and contribute to improved power supply in Gombe State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed the new investment direction and reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with Ashaka Cement to achieve shared development objectives.
He stressed the need for the company to further strengthen its efforts in environmental protection, sustainable mining practices and expanded corporate social responsibility programmmes that directly benefit host communities and the state at large.
“My main interest is the wellbeing of our people, especially those in the host communities. They must feel the positive impact of the natural resources God has endowed their environment with through jobs, social amenities and sustainable development, the Governor emphasised.
He stressed the need for transparency and accountability, calling for closer collaboration between Ashaka Cement and relevant tax and revenue authorities in Gombe State to enhance information sharing and ensure a fair, efficient and mutually beneficial revenue system.
The Governor assured the company of a conducive business environment and pledged the support of the state government in promoting partnerships that drive economic growth, environmental sustainability and inclusive development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed optimism that the strengthened relationship would yield lasting benefits for the people of Gombe State, host communities and the company, while reinforcing Gombe State’s position as an attractive destination for responsible investments.
The Governor was joined at the meeting by the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, Hajiya Aisha Adamu.