ABSTRACT

The project studied the manufacture of cement production in Nigeria using Ukpilla as a case study. It enables us to compare the differences between Ukpilla cement factory production and other cement company in the nation. Furthermore to look into the problems of Raw material acquisition e.g. Gypsum and supply of power which affects maximum production, the types of cement produced with particular reference to Portland cement, the problems of transportation and solution of conveyance from the site to the factory. The way forward on how to raise fund from National Banks and Foreign Banks has been suggested.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Right from the Colonial era, reports have indicated the presence of extensive limestone deposits at Ukpilla from which good quality cement could be produced.

The limestone deposit covers a belt upwards of thirty kilometers long stretching from Ukpilla in the present Edo State to Okene in Kwara State.

However, owing to both economic and technical reasons, the deposits were not exploited then.

In 1950, the Nigerian government invited a British company, Associated Portland Cement Manufactures Limited (APCM) who imported over 50% of the cement used in the country to establish an indigenous cement plant.

After two years of study and negotiation, (APCM) could not go ahead with the project.

In 1952, the Nigerian government set aside the sum of $1.2 million for the establishment of a cement plant in Nigeria. In 1954, government reached an agreement with the Danish film of F.L Smith and its British associate Turnel Portland cement company ltd.

On 13th November, 1954, the Nigerian cement company limited was incorporated with a nominal capital of $ 1.75 million

TRANSPORTATION OF RAW MATERIAL

The transportation of the Raw material is of paramount importance: The presence of non – availability of factory trucks or wagons to transport Raw material from the mining sit when the over burden has been removed left with limestone gives much concern. The limestone detonated by explosives must be transported to the Jaw Crushers. Due to insufficient of fund to purchase trucks raw materials were left in the quarry. When there is rain, the problem is more pronounced. It becomes evidently clear that limestone detonated by explosives need immediate transportation. The hired trucks are more expensive to rent. Furthermore, the fund is not even available.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL STATEMENT

This project is titled- cement manufacturing! production in Nigeria- a case study of Edo cement factory, Ukpilla. The project is about the production of cement, the processes that the raw materials undergo from the start to the finishing point, the layout of plant and the distribution of the products.

1.2 CONCEPTS INVOLVED

The main concepts involved are the raw materials setting up of the plant, production of cement and finally distribution and costs of labour and maintenance.

1.2.1 THE CONCEPT OF THE RAW MATERIALS

The raw materials are the substances used in the production of the cement. The materials include:

i.   Limestone

ii.  Gypsum

iii.   Water

THE CONCEPT OF THE LAYOUT OF PLANT

This concept deals with the design and the agreement of the

components of the production plant from the start of production to the final point where the products are realized. These components are: i. Jaw crusher-s

ii.  Raw mills

iii.   Kilns

iv.  Coal mills

v.   Cement mills

vi.  Packing plant (Silos)

1.2.3 THE CONCEPT OF PRODUCTION

The concept deals with the production itself. The various processes that the raw materials wider went to become the finished product (cement).

1.2.4 THE CONCEPT OF DISTRIBUTION

Here, the distribution is done through lorries. These takes the finished products to the purchasers (end users).

1.2.5 THE CONCEPT OF MAINTENANCE

This deals with the servicing and maintenance of the various components of the production plants. The techniques used are:

i.  Greasing

ii.  Oiling

iii.   Cleaning

iv.  General servicing