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Onigbolo Cement Plant

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Onigbolo Cement Plant (Société des Ciments d'Onigbolo, SCO) is one of the most significant industrial facilities in eastern Benin and a cornerstone of the regional construction industry. Located in Onigbolo within the Plateau Department near the Nigerian border, the plant utilizes the region's extensive limestone deposits. It was established in the 1980s as a binational project between the governments of Benin and Nigeria to secure the regional supply of construction materials. The facility has a production capacity of several hundred thousand tons of cement annually, playing a decisive role in the execution of national infrastructure projects. Over the past decades, the plant has undergone various phases of modernization and privatization, with major industrial groups such as LafargeHolcim and Dangote involved in its value chain. Beyond its economic significance, the plant is a vital employer for the local population and promotes the growth of the transport and logistics sectors in the border area. The cement produced here meets international quality standards and fulfills a substantial portion of domestic demand.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	27	28	27	27	26	25	25	25	26	26	26
Rain mm	21	29	66	115	161	203	216	176	275	179	36	14

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Onigbolo Cement Plant is one of the largest cement plants in Benin, processing limestone from nearby quarries. It covers a significant part of the national cement demand and supports the country's construction industry.

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Visiting

The plant grounds are not open to the public, but the impressive facilities are visible from the surrounding landscape. Typically, there are no visitor programs or guided tours within the plant.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is the rural road passing the plant, from which the long conveyor belts and chimneys are clearly recognizable. From the nearby hills to the southwest, there is a good view of the entire installation.

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Local products

The main product is cement, distributed for construction projects across Benin. In the surrounding villages, agricultural products such as yams, maize, and peanuts are grown and sold at local markets.

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Active season

The plant operates year-round, with increased activity during the dry season (November to March) when demand for construction materials is highest. In the rainy season, production may be reduced due to humidity and transport issues.

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Nearby

A visit to the Onigbolo Cement Plant can be combined with exploring the nearby limestone quarries. The city of Pobé with its traditional market and the Pendjari National Park region in the north are also worthwhile destinations.

Geography

Coordinates

7.50000, 2.67000

Facts

The plant officially commenced operations in 1982.
It is located in the Plateau Department, about 25 kilometers from the Nigerian border.
The annual production capacity is approximately 500,000 to 600,000 tons of cement.
Raw materials are sourced from a nearby limestone quarry located in Onigbolo.
The project started as a joint venture between the states of Benin (51%) and Nigeria (43%).
The factory employs over 1,000 workers directly and indirectly in the region.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Onigbolo Limestone Quarry2 km · NEExplore →

Akaba Idenan (Magic Gate)17 km · SWExplore →

Kétou Plateau24 km · WExplore →

Lake Azili40 km · SWExplore →

Palm Oil Plantations of Pobè56 km · WExplore →

Dassa Hills61 km · SEExplore →

SUCOBE Sugar Factory Savè64 km · SEExplore →

Ibese Cement Plant66 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Onigbolo plant produce?

It is a large cement plant providing construction materials for the region.

Who operates the plant?

It is a cooperation between the governments of Benin and Nigeria.

Can you visit the plant?

Only with special permission for professional visitors.

Where is Onigbolo located?

In eastern Benin, near the Nigerian border.

What raw materials are used?

Mainly limestone from local deposits.

Onigbolo Cement Plant: where is it located?

Onigbolo Cement Plant is located in Benin.

Onigbolo Cement Plant: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

Onigbolo Cement Plant: why is it worth visiting?

The Onigbolo Cement Plant (Société des Ciments d'Onigbolo, SCO) is one of the most significant industrial facilities in eastern Benin and a cornerstone of the regional construction industry.

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