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Ashaka Cement Plant

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Ashaka Cement plant in Gombe State, widely known as AshakaCem, is often referred to as the 'Star of the North' within Nigeria's cement industry. Established in 1974 and commissioned in 1979, the plant was a strategic investment to support the development of Northern Nigeria. Today, it operates as a subsidiary of Lafarge Africa PLC, blending local expertise with international manufacturing standards. One of the plant's most notable features is its transition to coal power, utilizing coal from its own mines to fire its kilns and generate electricity. This move has enhanced its energy security and significantly reduced production costs in a region far from natural gas pipelines. AshakaCem maintains a strong commitment to community development, investing heavily in schools, clinics, and clean water projects for the local population. Despite regional security concerns in past years, the plant has remained a steady producer and a major regional employer. With an annual capacity of around 1 million metric tonnes, it is a vital contributor to the economic fabric of the North-East.

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	24	28	31	32	31	29	27	26	26	27	26	24
Rain mm	0	0	3	16	54	93	169	242	154	29	1	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Known proudly as 'The Star of the North', this massive industrial facility is a critical supplier of building materials across northeastern Nigeria. It heavily drives the regional economy by supporting widespread infrastructure development.

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Visiting

Due to strict industrial safety regulations and heavy machinery operations, the factory premises are generally closed to casual tourists. Access is typically restricted strictly to authorized personnel and pre-arranged business delegations.

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Where to view it

You can observe the towering silos and the vast, dusty expanse of the processing facilities from the main approaching public roads. The imposing scale of the factory dominates the otherwise flat surrounding rural landscape for miles around.

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Local products

The immediate vicinity is heavily focused on industrial supply chains rather than traditional tourist souvenirs. However, nearby local markets often sell regional agricultural produce and everyday goods catering to the large factory workforce.

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Active season

Cement production is a continuous industrial process, meaning the plant operates actively throughout the year regardless of the dry or wet seasons. The surrounding transport routes are particularly busy during typical weekday daylight hours.

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Nearby

Travelers in this part of Gombe State often combine a passing view of the plant with exploring the wider cultural heritage of northeastern Nigeria. The city of Gombe itself gives bustling local markets and glimpses into traditional daily life.