Landlord communities hosting Nigerian Cement Company (Nigercem Plc) in Ebonyi State have petitioned Governor Francis Nwifuru over perceived threats to their land, mineral rights, and existing legal agreements, urging urgent intervention to avert a potential crisis.

In a petition dated January 7, 2026, signed by Dr. Sulaiman Usman, SAN, of Gamzaki Law Chambers, the communities alleged that unnamed political actors were attempting to undermine court judgments and prior consents granted to Nigercem Plc, allegedly under the pretext of establishing a new state-owned cement plant.

The petition recalled that Ibeto Group lawfully acquired a majority shareholding in Nigercem Plc in 2010. Attempts by the former Ebonyi State Government to revoke the mining lease were resisted by the communities, resulting in prolonged litigation that concluded in 2013 in favor of Ibeto Group and the host communities.

The communities expressed concern that recent government actions—including the 2026 budget announcement to borrow ₦150 billion to build a new state-owned cement plant—could threaten their legal rights and economic benefits. They also alleged that certain political officeholders were pressured to sign new consent letters purportedly revoking prior agreements with Ibeto Group.

“Our Clients categorically reject the authority, legitimacy, and actions of this self-appointed committee,” the petition stated, referring to an unauthorised group allegedly claiming to represent the communities.

The host communities urged Governor Nwifuru to convene an inclusive town hall meeting involving traditional rulers, youth, women, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to deliberate the future of Nigercem Plc. They called for a halt on any actions affecting ownership, control, or mineral rights until broad consultations are completed.

“Our Clients are not opposed to development or genuine efforts to revive Nigercem Plc,” the petition added. “However, they cannot accept any arrangement that undermines their rights or sacrifices their future for expedient political objectives.”

As of this report, the Ebonyi State Government had not issued an official response, but the communities expressed confidence in the governor’s “sense of justice and statesmanship.”

The dispute highlights broader issues of resource control, investor confidence, and community rights in Nigeria’s industrial and extractive sectors, with observers warning that failure to resolve grievances transparently could escalate tensions within the state.