The Cross River State Government has called on HBM Nigeria Plc to deepen its investment footprint in the state by promoting local content participation, expanding corporate social responsibility initiatives, and creating more opportunities for qualified Cross Riverians within its operations.
Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, made the call through his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, while delivering a goodwill message at the official unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge Africa Plc, now rebranded as HBM Nigeria Plc, a member of the Huaxin Group. The event was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Congratulating Huaxin Cement Limited and the management of HBM Nigeria Plc on the landmark achievement, Odey described the rebranding as a significant milestone that signals a new chapter of growth, innovation, and strategic partnership.
He noted that Cross River State has maintained a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with the company, stressing that the state’s cement plant remains the largest cement production facility in Nigeria by physical size and has continued to contribute substantially to industrialization, employment generation, and economic growth.
“As longstanding partners, we expect HBM Nigeria Plc to deepen its commitment to Cross River through increased local content participation, greater employment opportunities for qualified Cross Riverians, and enhanced corporate social responsibility initiatives that directly impact our communities,” Odey stated.
The deputy governor highlighted Cross River’s abundant deposits of limestone and other critical raw materials required for cement production, assuring the new investors that the state possesses the geological capacity to support major expansion in cement manufacturing and related industrial activities.
According to him, the availability of these resources positions Cross River as a prime destination for increased investment in the cement sector and other value-chain industries.
Odey further urged the company to prioritize local sourcing of materials and services, engage indigenous contractors, and strengthen participation by local businesses in its operations.
He also advocated the deliberate creation of opportunities for qualified Cross Riverians to occupy management and technical positions within the company, emphasizing the need for career development pathways and mentorship programmes that would nurture indigenous leadership and professional capacity.
The deputy governor called for increased corporate social responsibility interventions, particularly in host communities, noting that sustainable development must remain a core component of the company’s growth strategy.
He stressed the need for investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and other community-based initiatives capable of improving the quality of life of residents in areas hosting the company’s operations.
“Cross River possesses vast deposits of limestone and other critical raw materials for cement production. We are ready to support expansion and remain committed to providing a secure, business-friendly environment that encourages investment, industrial growth, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to fostering a conducive investment climate, Odey assured investors of continued government support through infrastructure development, policy stability, strategic partnerships, and the reduction of bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between Cross River State, Huaxin Cement Limited, and HBM Nigeria Plc would continue to grow stronger, delivering shared prosperity, industrial expansion, and sustainable economic development for the benefit of the state and the nation.
By Ukongikwen Adie
