Mangal Cement Industry Clarifies Operational Scope, says it operates only cement factory in Iluhagba, Kogi State, other mineral resources not inclusive
By Olugbemi Femi, Akin Fanodun
Mangal Cement Industry has confirmed that its operations are exclusively focused on its cement factory located in Iluhagba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
This confirmation aims to set the record straight and reassure stakeholders about the company’s focus on cement production, re-emphasizing that its activities are limited to cement production and do not involve other mineral resources.
This was made available to our correspondent, who visited the plant to clarify the viral video, correct the erroneous misconceptions and misinformation being spread by mischievous individuals on social media about the company’s scope of operations, and reinforce its commitment to the cement industry.
However, it is no longer news that the Mangal Cement plant became operational in Kogi State in July 2024 and successfully produced its first bag of cement.
The US$1.5bn facility is producing 6000t/day and is already transforming the local cement industry with over 10,000 manpower both direct and indirect jobs, stressing that a China-based Sinoma International Engineering handled the plant construction project.
Also, Wärtsilä, a Finland-based company, builds, operates, and maintains a 50 MW captive power plant at Mangal Cement Industry’s facility. The agreement includes the construction of a gas pipeline to power the plant, ensuring an efficient and reliable energy supply.
Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Chairman of Mangal Cement Industry, is a respected and law-abiding citizen with diverse business interests across various sectors in Nigeria and will never involve himself in illegal business deals.
The management said the Google Earth captured video being circulated on social media is aimed at tarnishing the good image of the organization that is officially licensed by the appropriate agencies of the federal government of Nigeria to carry out its legitimate business.
“The airstrip facility at the plant in Iluhagba is part of the total package approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria to operate such an organization across the globe, hence the management is mindful of what is within their scope of operations, saying no illegal activities can take place through the facility”
The management further clarified that there is no gold or diamonds in and around the Iluhagba areas, which cover the Caderas zone approved for the company to operate; hence, it is disheartening to note that the information being spread through the Google Earth captured video is targeted to incite the general public and create unnecessary tension in the area.
“Even if there is gold or diamonds within the areas we cover, the Mangal Cement industry, Iluhagba has no business to either mine any of the natural resources aside from limestone or allow its facility to be used to transport it illegally to any part of the world”
While reacting to the viral video, the monarch of the community, HRH Oba Olayemi Samuel David, alleged that it is those who are against the development of the community that are sponsoring such inciting videos to create disharmony within and outside the community.
He re-emphasized how such mega investments would not have an airstrip that would assist the smooth running of its day-to-day activities and pointed out that aside from the company, any other individuals or organizations can make use of the facility as approved by the aviation agency.
He said a similar facility has been in operation for more than fifteen years in the Obajana cement plant at Obajana, which, on many occasions, is being used by the VIPs, including the president, vice president, governors, and other dignitaries, etc.
