Dangote Cement to begin production in Ivory Coast
By Franca Ochigbo, Abuja and Osagie Otabor, Benin 9 hours 51 minutes ago
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Dangote Cement is set to start production in Ivory Coast.

This coincides with the Dangote Group’s signing of an agreement to site a cement company worth N329 billion in Edo State.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mr Louis Odion, who spoke about the factory at the weekend in Benin City, said the economy of the state would improve.

Odion spoke during a stakeholders meeting with proprietors of the hospitality industry to acquaint them of the law imposed on goods consumed and services rendered in hotels, restaurants and events centres.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Donald Osikhena said the next phase of Oshiomhole’s administration is industrial revival after road construction and changing the face of infrastructure in schools.

He disclosed that over 50 bags of cement have been produced at the Okpella Cement factory since test running began.

"Edo State is the gateway of the nation. That is why we are striving to improve on our infrastructure, which were dilapidated before the Comrade Governor took over the mantle of leadership. If we have availability of funds, we will improve the infrastructure and the hospitality industry will thrive well," he added.

In a related development, Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, dropped the hint about the take-off of the Ivory Coast Cement Plant at a meeting with the President of Cote D ‘Ivoire, Alassane Quattara, in Abuja.

He said investment outside the country would boost Nigerians foreign earnings through repatriation of proceeds.

"We have got approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to invest about $3.9billion outside Nigeria, especially in neighbouring African countries, and Ivory Coast is one of them.

"The cement factory was almost starting in Ivory Coast, but because of the war, we had to abandon it. Now that the war is over, we will start the business all over again.

"We will have a discussion with the Cote D’Ivoire minister of Trade and see how we can go back there to commence the process of building cement factory in the country.

"The company will look at other areas of investment as President Quattara　 has requested.　Now that some of the French business businessmen have left Ivory Coast,　 Nigerians will use the opportunity to invest in the country.　

Speaking, the President of Cote D ‘Ivoire Alassane Ouattara　 called on Nigerian businessmen to come and invest in Ivory Coast, assuring that the just ended Cote D ‘Ivoire war has created business opportunities for investors from all over Africa.

I have more confidence in this mans biz than the federal government of nigeria

How does it concern me as an average nigerian