The Ebonyi State Government says it will establish a state-owned cement factory as part of its drive to accelerate industrial growth.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru made the announcement on Friday during the public presentation of the state’s 2026 budget for citizens’ inputs.
Nwifuru commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as bold economic and social reforms, noting that the measures have opened new fiscal opportunities for states.
“What was impossible is now possible. Without the delivery of subsidy, our budget wouldn’t jump from N89 billion to over N800 billion. That is the evidence and benefit of the removal of fuel subsidy,” he said.
He explained that the sweeping impact of the subsidy removal inspired the theme of the 2026 budget — Hope and Actualisation — adding that the proposal prioritizes completion of ongoing projects and human capital development.
The governor urged Nigerians, including opposition parties, to support the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.
Addressing speculations of slow project delivery, Nwifuru said all projects have definite timelines and assured that contractors would use the dry-season window to fast-track work.
Representatives of the traditional rulers’ council, women groups, elders’ council and student bodies applauded the governor for adequately capturing key sectors in the budget.