Ben Eguzozie
Anambra State, with estimated 4.2 million tonnes reserves of kaolin deposit, is set to begin commercial production of the mineral, which is scattered in parts of the state.
Checks by Business A.M. indicate that kaolin are deposited in Anambra-East, Ayamelim, Ekwusigo, Njikoka, Aguata, Ihiala, and Nnewi-South.
At the first historic meeting of the 8th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) at the newly built Government House by Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, the kaolin factory’s status report was reviewed, and determined that it is ready for commercial production of the mineral.
The state executive council also decided that the privatization of the factory would commence after the completion of the proof of concept to ensure profitable operation.
Our checks further indicated that Nigeria has estimated kaolin reserves of 2 billion metric tonnes, with deposits found in 12 other states, including Adamawa, Borno, Abia, Delta, Ekiti, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, and Plateau. However, Anambra’s reserves are in commercial quantities.
Kaolin, also known as China clay, has a global market valued at approximately $3.98 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2024 to 2030, reaching around $5.22 billion by 2030.
Key drivers of the expected growth include rising investments in construction, infrastructure development, and automotive production are driving market growth. Also, the growing demand for paints and coatings, with the construction industry’s shift towards green construction is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for the kaolin market. Investments in pharmaceutical and medical industries are also contributing to market growth.
Additionally, the Anambra State’s commissioner for information, Law Mefor, said the ANSEC has also set in motion processes for the launch of the Anambra Country Club in Awka, the state capital, which is a vital component of the recently commissioned Solution Fun City, where the people of Anambra can relax, enjoy, and play.
The information commissioner said, after the deliberations made by ANSEC, the members were optimistic that the decisions reached at the executive session would promote welfare, unity, security, and prosperity for the people of Anambra, Nigerians, and humanity.
Mefor pointed out that the Soludo administration is transforming Anambra State to becoming a destination, turning it into the Dubai-Taiwan Silicon Valley of the country, where innovation, economic, and business activities thrive.
“Soludo’s transformation is evident in vital sectors of the state’s economy including infrastructure with numerous road constructions and flyovers connecting various communities in Anambra, the regeneration of towns, and cities with modern drainages to ease flooding and erosion. In health where the governor was recognized as the most performing governor in primary healthcare in the Southeast region and overall nationally, coupled with the building of new general hospitals with telemedicine, and employment of skilled healthcare personnel, and in education, with the construction of smart schools with free education and employment of over 8,200 teachers for improved learning,” Mefor explained.
He said the Soludo solution is spread across various sectors of the state’s economy and landscape.
