Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has taken fresh steps to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the Gombe State Government and Ashaka Cement Plc, with renewed emphasis on job creation, host community welfare, environmental sustainability, and increased state revenue.
The Governor disclosed this during a high-level meeting with the management of Ashaka Cement, led by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Aminu, at the Government House in Gombe.
During the meeting, the company’s management briefed the Governor on Ashaka Cement’s recent acquisition by Huaxin Cement of China, a global cement manufacturer with over a century of industry experience and operations across several countries.
According to the Managing Director, the acquisition signals a new phase of growth, as Huaxin Cement plans to inject fresh capital, advanced technical expertise, and global best practices into Ashaka Cement’s operations.
He revealed plans to expand production capacity by an additional two million tonnes per annum, a development expected to create more employment opportunities, boost Gombe State’s internally generated revenue (IGR), and enhance corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in host communities.
In another major development, Aminu disclosed that Ashaka Cement, currently the highest taxpayer in the North-East and the largest private-sector employer in Gombe State after government—is set to commission a 16-megawatt power plant. The facility, designed for future expansion, is expected to ease the company’s energy challenges while also contributing to improved electricity supply within the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed the new investment direction and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with Ashaka Cement to achieve shared development objectives. He stressed the importance of environmental protection, sustainable mining practices, and expanded CSR programmes, especially those that directly benefit host communities.
“My main interest is the wellbeing of our people, particularly those in 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 said.
The Governor also underscored the need for transparency and accountability, calling for stronger collaboration between Ashaka Cement and relevant tax and revenue authorities to improve information sharing and ensure a fair and efficient revenue system.
He assured the company of a conducive business environment, pledging the state government’s support for partnerships that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would deliver lasting benefits for the people of Gombe State, host communities, and the company, while further positioning Gombe as a destination of choice for responsible investment.
The Governor was accompanied at the meeting by the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, Hajiya Aisha Adamu.
By Abubakar Turaki
