UniCem expects cement production in S/East, S/South to reach 8.2mtpa in 2016

The United Cement Company of Nigeria (UniCem), the country’s third largest cement maker, anticipates that cement production and demand in the South-East and South-South Nigeria will skyrocket to 8.2 million metric tons per annum (mtpa), from between 1.8mtpa and 2.4mtpa reported in the last two years within the two regions.

“Our outlook for the industry remains very positive. UniCem is the only cement manufacturer in the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria and well positioned to supply its full capacity production of 2.5mtpa in the regions till 2016,’’ according to a statement from the firm, released to Real Sector Watch.

Consequently, the firm is investing N84 billion in a second line in Calabar, Cross River State, to double capacity to 5mtpa by 2016, and consolidate its position in the regions.

Sinoma Group of China is constructing the new cement line. The project also includes the building of a new 45 megawatts Captive Power Plant (CPP) by Wärtsilä Nigeria Limited.

The firm already has state-of-the-art cement plant at Mfamosing in the state. The plant is one of the most technologically advanced plants in sub-Saharan Africa, according to experts.

The 5m x 80m kiln has a clinker output of 6,250 tons/day. Raw materials required in the production of the cement making process – limestone and marl – are mined at the adjacent quarries, which are located along a limestone belt, known for its abundance and quality, Real Sector Watch gathered.