Another Kano Billionaire To Rival Dangote, BUA With New Cement Plant

Another Kano Billionaire To Rival Dangote, BUA With New Cement Plant

  • Muazzam Mairawani, a Kano billionaire, is set to open a new cement plant in Kebbi state for over $600 million
  • The billionaire's company, MSM Group, wants to disrupt the cement industry, which is facing high prices
  • The project, already approved by the Kebbi government, aims to produce 12 million tonnes of cement and create 45,000 jobs

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

Kano-born businessman Muazzam Mairawani, through his MSM Group of Companies, is set to disrupt the Nigerian cement market.

The billionaire is building a $600 million factory in Kebbi state after signing a partnership deal with the Kebbi government

There is a fresh competition for Dangote and BUA cements as Muazzam Mairawani, a Kano billionaire, moves to open a new cement plant in Kebbi state.
Dangote and BUA cements get a new rival as Muazzam Mairawani, a Kano billionaire, moves to open a new cement plant in Kebbi state. Photo: Viktor Kintop
Source: Getty Images

New cement plant in Nigeria

According to the MSM group, the plant will be a state-of-the-art cement facility with a production capacity of 12 million tonnes.

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The project is expected to generate up to 45,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Kebbi governor, Nasir Idris, who spoke at the signing ceremony, said:

“This is a major breakthrough for economic development and a lifeline for thousands of unemployed youth and women in the state."

He added that the state would ensure a business-friendly environment for the venture, DailyTrust reports.

Mairawani, chairman of MSM Group, said the plant would rely on cutting-edge technology to boost efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.

“Today, we are not just signing a document; we are laying the foundation for an industrial revolution in Kebbi."
New competition for Dangote and BUA Cement emerges as billionaire Muazzam Mairawani plans to build a cement plant in Kebbi State.
Dangote and BUA cements face more rivalry as another billionaire, Muazzam Mairawani, moves to build a cement plant in Kebbi state. Photo: Bloomberg/contributor
Source: Getty Images

What to know about MSM group

MSM Group, founded in 2011, operates across oil and gas, agriculture, logistics, shipping, fintech, and the automotive sector.

The company controls oil block OML 98, which holds 244 million barrels in reserves, and is preparing to raise $225 million through an initial public offering in the United States.

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Its move into Nigeria’s cement sector is a bold step, with plans to attract customers through competitive pricing.

Nigeria's cement market is currently dominated by Dangote Cement, with 52 million metric tonnes across Africa and 35.25 million tonnes in Nigeria.

BUA Cement follows with 20 million tonnes, Lafarge with 10 million tonnes, and Ibeto with 5 million tonnes.

Analysts said MSM’s entry could challenge the status quo and intensify competition.

Mairawani, in his 30s, is an active member of the Kano Chamber of Commerce.

He has drawn comparisons with Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, two other Kano-born billionaires who built fortunes in cement.

Usman Hassan Darma, president of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture:

“It is a source of pride to see another son of Kano take bold steps into the cement industry,” said “We believe he will succeed just as Dangote and BUA did.”

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Cement prices in Nigeria

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the price of a 50kg bag of cement climbed to N10,500, up 8.25% from N9,700 based on data from Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC).

The increase, the highest in 2025 so far, was attributed by dealers to higher transportation costs.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.