Kano State in Nigeria is one of the 36 states in Nigeria. It has a long history. It is located in the northern part of the border, on the plateau of the upper reaches of the Hadja River. Known as “Desert Port”, it is now an important industrial and commercial town, cultural and transportation centre in northern Nigeria.
With Shandong Jianni Company investing in the NB ceramic tile factory in Kano, the first ceramic company in the north of Nigeria to produce tiles in decades started operations in Kano State. This newly-built ceramics factory is located in Daksale Village, the local government of Bebeji, Kano State, with a total investment of 120 million U.S. dollars.
Two large-scale production lines are planned, with a daily production capacity of 150,000 square meters. To date, NB Ceramics has recruited over 1,000 direct jobs, mostly from the local and neighbouring communities. Relying on the rich local human resources and mineral resources, the company is determined to become the largest supplier of wall and floor tiles throughout northern Nigeria and radiate to neighbouring countries Niger, Cameroon, Chad, and even the Central African Republic.
In addition to leading the production capacity transfer of domestic backward industries, Shandong Jianni has also driven the prosperity of the local transportation, mining, and packaging industries. At the same time, it has not forgotten its social responsibility to benefit the people. As part of its corporate social responsibility towards the local community, the company has started several pro bono projects in the area, including road and water projects.
Liu Yangxi, the person in charge, said: “We have drilled two wells for the community, built mosques and a main road into the village for them.” He also said: “Since the early 1980s, there has been no large-scale ceramic tile production company in northern Nigeria until our company joined. The company currently has more than 100 dealers and suppliers all over the country, especially in the north.”
Yusha’u Ibrahim, the village head of Wak Village, said in an interview that the presence of NB Ceramics is a huge development, not only for their community but for the whole place and country. He said that so far, a considerable part of the company’s employees come from his area, creating a large number of job opportunities.
“We think it’s a great blessing that it not only creates jobs for us but also brings us some development. Before they started building the factory, we had an agreement that they would donate some projects to us, thank you, God, they kept their word. They have already drilled wells for us, solved our problem of draft water, and they have maintained a very friendly relationship with the community.”
Local resident Isyaku Aliyu Wak said they were initially sceptical of the company’s existence because it bought their farmland, but now see it as a catalyst for a big change.
“Now, besides compensating for our farmland, many of our people have jobs here and don’t need to go elsewhere to make a living. Personally, I want to work here one day too,” he prayed.
Aliyu Muhammad, owner of a tea shop next to the company, said he has now developed into a full-fledged shop owner.
“Thanks to this company, my business is doing well every day. I hope that the company can develop well and my business can grow bigger,” Mohammad said. “The store I live in, including all the fixtures inside, is The company gave it to me for free. ”
Murtala Muhammad Isyaku, an employee who has been working as a driver for the company since the beginning of the construction process, said they love working there.
“I’ve been here for about 18 months, that is, from the company’s inception. We are grateful to God that this company takes care of us as best it can. Our salary is very attractive, and we have been trained in skills, and we also have a good dormitory and canteen.”
Isah Yusha’u Isah is an employee of the company’s production department, and he has also worked there since the beginning of construction. He said that he has accumulated a lot of experience there, learned a lot of technology and new management concepts.
“Arriving at NB Ceramics Before, most of us here didn’t have jobs, now we all have jobs,” Isah added.
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