News Agency of Nigeria
Abuja Fair: Participants throng Dangote Pavilion on special Day
General News

Abuja Fair: Participants throng Dangote Pavilion on special Day

 

The pavilion of the Dangote Group became a mecca on Saturday as participants swarmed around the company at the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair.

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) had projected that the 2025 Fair will attract over 100,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

Visitors to the company’s pavilion expressed interest in Dangote Refinery and the Group’s wide range of products.

A visitor, Peter Abdul, who spoke to newsmen at the Dangote booth, said he was particularly fascinated by the company’s range of products, especially its sugar, cement, fertiliser, and salt.

A participant from Kano, Ibrahim Rogo, expressed interest in exploring opportunities in petroleum and polypropylene trading, noting that he had collected the company’s contact information for further engagement.

Members of the diplomatic corps also visited the company’s pavilion to inquire about Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, a leading truck manufacturing and assembly company under the Dangote Group.

The company is known for enhancing local capacity in logistics and transportation.

Speaking earlier, representative of the company, Hashem Ahmed, said: “Every bag of cement, every tonne of fertiliser, every litre of petroleum product, and every grain of sugar you consume from Dangote represents more than just a product.

“It represents a job for a Nigerian, a contract for a local supplier, an opportunity for a small business, and a step toward a more prosperous Nigeria.”

Hashem, a General Manager, said the company’s business partners, and mostly distributors, have contributed to unlocking its potential.

“I appreciate our esteemed business partners and dedicated dealers of Dangote products here in Abuja and across Nigeria. Your commitment, trust, and resilience have been central to the success of our brand.”

He commended the Abuja Chamber of Commerce for organising the Trade Fair, and for the theme: “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation”, adding that it resonates with the vision and mission of the Dangote Group.

The President of the Chamber, Chief Emeka Obegolu, said ACCI is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Dangote Group.

Obegolu said: “As a member of our Chamber, the Dangote Group has consistently contributed to the growth and visibility of the Abuja International Trade Fair.

“Their presence here today, with their impressive pavilion and diverse product showcase, is a testament to their commitment to trade promotion and to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.”

He added that the Dangote Group, through its operations in cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, agriculture, and energy, has consistently demonstrated that sustainability and innovation are not just aspirations but practical business strategies.

“Their investments in local value addition, backward integration, and renewable energy solutions directly align with the Chamber’s vision for a competitive and self-reliant Nigerian economy,” he said.

He thanked the Group’s President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for his vision and steadfastness in fixing the Nigerian economy.

“With our four Centres, the Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), the Business Entrepreneurship and Skills Technology (BEST) Centre, the Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC), and the Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC), alongside over 16 active Trade Groups, we provide holistic support to businesses.

“In this mission, the partnership with the Dangote Group has been invaluable in deepening trade, expanding opportunities, and advocating for a friendlier business environment,” he added.(NAN)

Dangote Refinery fast-tracking Nigeria’s industrialisation- Official
General News

Dangote Refinery fast-tracking Nigeria’s industrialisation- Official

By Nana Musa

A senior official of Dangote Group says it refinery is fast-tracking Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial take-off as a catalyst for a rapid economic development of the country.

 

Senior Adviser on Special Projects and Stakeholders Relations to the President of Dangote Group, Mrs Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, disclosed this at the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair on Monday.

 

Wali-Abdurrahman said the massive facility was more than just a fuel producer, but a central stimulus for industrialisation in Nigeria.

 

“At Dangote Group, we have also shown through our refinery and cement that instead of exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, we must process more of what we produce here at home.

 

‘’This will not only create jobs and grow industries, but it will also reduce our dependence on imports and strengthen our economy. Our massive investment in the Dangote Refinery is not only a bold step towards Nigeria’s industrial ambition but also a reflection of our commitment to sustainability.

 

“From its conception, the refinery was designed with cutting-edge technology and efficiency measures. It stands as proof that large-scale industrialisation and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for future projects in Africa.”

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote Industries Limited is one of the sponsors and participants at the 12-day Abuja Trade Fair with the theme: Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation.

 

She said that the group’s relationship with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) was a strategic partnership built on a vision for a prosperous and industrialised Nigeria and not merely transactional.

 

Some of the Strategic Business Units of the company at the Fair, she said, include: Dangote Cement, Dangote Salt, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Packaging, Dangote Fertiliser and Dangote Sinotruck, among others.

President of ACCI, Dr Emeka Obegolu, said that the Chamber’s collaboration with Dangote Group reflected a commitment to driving economic growth, strengthening trade, and creating opportunities for businesses and communities.

 

He said the Dangote Group’s active participation in the 20th edition of the Trade Fair further demonstrated its role as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial and commercial landscape.

 

At the opening ceremony on Monday, Obegolu said the 12-day Fair is expected to attract over 100,000 participants.

 

He said other highlights of the fair include the launch of Buy Africa, Build Africa (BABA) which is a flagship initiative that celebrates African products, services and creativity.

 

According to him, the BABA initiative is more than a festival; “it is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa and build Africa.”

 

He said the Trade Fair provides a platform for business leaders seeking expansion and investment opportunities, as well as government institutions driving reforms and economic growth.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Mass sack at Dangote Refinery over sabotage, safety concerns
Economy/Business

Mass sack at Dangote Refinery over sabotage, safety concerns

Sack

Refinery

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed several members of staff in a major reorganisation exercise, following reported cases of sabotage in different refinery units that raised serious safety concerns.

Mr Femi Adekunle, the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management at Dangote Group, confirmed the development in a document seen by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos

He noted that the reorganisation followed multiple cases of reported sabotage across refinery units that posed major safety risks.

According to Adekunle, management was left with no choice but to carry out a total reorganisation of the refinery, resulting in the disengagement of the affected staff, effective Thursday, Sept. 25.

He said: “The employees were told to give all company property to their line managers and obtain an exit clearance, with the specific date for the process to be communicated later.

“The finance department, by a copy of this letter, is advised to compute all your benefits and entitlements in line with your terms of employment and conditions of service.

” And pay the amount due to you (less all indebtedness), subject to the condition that you have obtained the exit clearance certificate as mentioned above,” Adekunle stated.

While the number of affected staff was not disclosed at the time of filing this report, NAN gathered that the restructuring might be linked to the decision of many of the dismissed workers to join the workers’ union.

Recall that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), had earlier threatened to shut down Dangote Refinery over management’s refusal to allow tanker drivers and other employees to unionise.

PENGASSAN voiced its frustration with what it described as the refinery’s persistent resistance to unionisation efforts, stressing that “all diplomatic efforts had failed to resolve the issue.”

The union further warned that if the standoff continued, it would have no option but to “join NUPENG in shutting down refinery operations to protect workers’ rights and interests.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Dangote Refinery reviving moribund companies in Nigeria, says manufacturers
Economy/Business

Dangote Refinery reviving moribund companies in Nigeria, says manufacturers

 

The Kano-Jigawa branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has hailed the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals for its role in revitalising struggling companies in Nigeria.

According to the Association, the refinery’s intervention through the reduction of diesel prices and the steady availability of petroleum products has provided significant relief to manufacturers grappling with high energy costs.

Muhammad Bello Umar, branch Chairman of MAN, Kano and Jigawa states, said this on the sideline of the ongoing Annual Products Exhibition in Kano.

He said that these measures are already helping “dying companies come back to life” by reducing production expenses, stabilising operations, and sustaining jobs.

Umar said that access to affordable diesel was critical to the survival of many small and medium-scale industries in Nigeria, particularly those outside the national grid or in areas plagued by inconsistent power supply.

“By improving supply and easing cost pressures, the Dangote Refinery is not only supporting the survival of existing firms but also laying the foundation for industrial growth and competitiveness in the region,” he said.

He reiterated the association’s commitment to partnering with the refinery and other stakeholders to strengthen the manufacturing sector.

Umar described the Dangote Refinery as a game-changer in Nigeria’s quest for industrial sustainability and self-reliance.

He said Dangote Refinery continues to inspire confidence in the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

The Dangote Industries Limited is one of the major sponsors of the 2025 MAN Exhibition in Kano.

Umar said the exhibition brought together top manufacturers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers in a showcase of innovation, quality, and resilience in the nation’s economy.

The MAN chairman disclosed that the association was already exploring areas of partnership with the Dangote Refinery to enhance energy supply and strengthen industrial growth nationwide.

He commended the Dangote Group for its partnership and contribution to the growth of the Association and the country’s economy.

The chairman noted that the Dangote Group has been a consistent partner with the association for over five years, describing the company as an indispensable stakeholder in the industrial sector.

The theme of this year’s Exhibition is Made in Nigeria: Revitalizing Local Industries for Economic Growth.

According to him, no exhibition or trade fair organised by MAN is complete without the presence of Dangote products, which remain some of the most affordable, qualitative, and dependable in the market.

A major feature of this year’s show was the commanding presence of the Dangote Group, whose diverse range of products has become a household name across Nigeria and beyond.

Dangote products displayed at the event include:Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt and seasoning, Dangote Fertiliser, among others.

Participants at the event also highlighted the role of Dangote Group in job creation, infrastructure development, and its contribution to government revenues through taxes and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

During the opening ceremony, Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State, said the occasion was not just an exhibition of goods and services, but a bold statement that Nigeria’s future lies in production, innovation and self-reliance.

Yusuf, represented by commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, said that the exhibition affirmed the state’s central role as the industrial hub of northern Nigeria.

He commended MAN for sustaining an “important platform where local producers and entrepreneurs come together to showcase their ingenuity, resilience and creativity.”
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote Cement engages drivers on road safety at Obajana retreat
General News

Dangote Cement engages drivers on road safety at Obajana retreat

As part of its commitment to promoting road safety and strengthening best practices in fleet management, Dangote Cement Plc on Thursday convened a special retreat for its drivers at the company’s plant in Obajana, Kogi.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director (GMD), Dangote Cement Plc, Arvid Pathak, said that the retreat provided a practical platform to sensitise drivers on the importance of discipline behind the wheel.

The GMD said the retreat also emphasised the company’s core values of safety and responsibility, and featured drivers’ role as frontline ambassadors of the Dangote Cement brand on Nigerian roads.

He said that the interactive sessions also featured discussions on defensive driving, fatigue management, vehicle maintenance, and awards for deserving drivers.

He noted that the engagement allowed management to receive first-hand feedback that would guide solutions to issues affecting drivers.

“Your life is very precious, so take care of yourselves. You have families, and your families need you,” he said.

Pathak cautioned drivers against the use of drugs and the practice of engaging proxy drivers, stressing that the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy on road accidents.

In his address, the Head of Transport (HoT) at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Murilo Silva, announced that the company was constructing new, technology-driven Control Towers at Obajana.

He explained that these facilities would enable real-time remote monitoring of drivers’ behaviour to further enhance safety and efficiency.

Silva said: “(Over) speeding is one of the leading causes of road crashes involving heavy trucks. Always keep within the approved speed limit, especially on highways and in populated areas. You are the face of Dangote. Give way when necessary, be patient in traffic, and respect smaller vehicles.”

The Group Head, Health, Safety, Social, Environment & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL), Dr James Adenuga, said the drivers are the image makers of the company, noting that their safety, and the safety of other road users, are paramount to the company.

“Gentlemen, every time you drive out of this plant, you carry not just cement, but lives, reputations, and the pride of this company,” he added.

An expert on Transport, Mr Samuel Odo, said most of the auto crashes recently were within the control of the drivers, cautioning the drivers to prioritise their safety and that of their families.

He urged drivers to develop a good culture for safe driving.

“Culture is built by doing the right thing every time, every trip, every day. From wearing seatbelts, obeying speed limits, to checking tyres, repeat it until it becomes habit,” he said.

Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the retreat, the Divisional Director of Transport (DDT), Hemant Rana, described the event, themed ‘Drive Safely, Arrive Safely’, as timely, noting that the company has already instituted several measures to curb road accidents.

According to him, the company has successfully curbed auto crashes while simultaneously scaling up the frequency of driver training sessions.

Speaking at the event, the Bajana of Obajana, Idowu Isenibi, said the drivers play pivotal role in the life of the company, urging them to respect road signs.

The Olu of Apata, Federick Balogun, praised Aliko Dangote for his role in creating employment opportunities for drivers, noting that he himself was among the first beneficiaries of Dangote’s job creation initiatives at DCP Obajana.

A major highlight of the event was the awards session, where deserving drivers were specially recognised and honoured.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote Cement Obajana, Jakura community seal dev’t. pact
General News

Dangote Cement Obajana, Jakura community seal dev’t. pact

By Nana Musa

The Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and the Jakura Community on Wednesday sealed an historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) that will enable the company to implement mutually agreed social projects in the next five years.

 

The CDA is one of many CDAs that the Company have with its host communities, which serves as pathways for transfer of several impactful socio-economic development programmes  and projects.

 

At the ceremony, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Azad Nawabuddin, said the pact was in fulfilment of the provisions of section 116 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, and section 193 of the Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Represented by John Gwong, Chief General Manager, Production, Nawabuddin said the Agreement demonstrated the company’s commitment to the development and overall well-being of Jakura community.

 

“For us as a company, we believe in the mantra, good neighbourliness is good business, hence we do everything conceivable to maintain harmonious relationship with the communities where we operate.

 

“We look forward to the support of the State and Local Government as we seek to collaborate with relevant agencies of the state to implement some of the developmental programmes cited in this Agreement.”

 

According to him, a governing structure will be set up for the implementation of the content of the Agreement.

 

The Group Head,  Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Wakeel Olayiwola, said the Agreement followed the stipulated steps as per the CDA development guideline as amended in 2023.

 

He said though the year has almost ended, the company would begin implementation of the content of the CDA, while assuring of commitment to a robust company-community relations.

 

The Group Head, Health, Safety,  Social, Environment & Sustainability, Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL), Mr James Adenuga, said the company was a responsible corporate entity, adding that it was the right thing to do to smoothen the company’s social license to operate.

 

General Manager, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, commended the Jakura community for being supportive throughout the process of drafting the Agreement.

 

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, said the government was proud of the Dangote Cement for being a responsible corporate citizen, urging the community to continue co-existing with the company peacefully.

 

The Minister, who was represented by Mrs Bimbo Olaoye, said the government would continue to ensure that the company enjoys smooth operational turf, while also creating jobs and implementing social programmes.

 

Also, in attendance and sharing the same view are Federal Mines Environment Compliance Officer, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Olufemi Olaitan, Director, Geological Services, Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals, Mrs Atinuke Onimode, Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Kogi Sate House of Assembly, Mrs Omotayo Ishaya and her Vice, Jibril Abu.

 

Speaking on behalf of his community, the Obaro of Jakura community, Usman Adoga said: “This is a dream come true. Some of us who aspire to see this come true are not alive. It is indeed an historic event, and the Jakura community will never be the same again.”

 

He commended Dangote Cement Plc for its unwavering interventions in several communities in Kogi.

 

In his remark, the Olu of Apata, Frederick Balogun, said Mr Aliko Dangote is a God-sent, promising that the communities would continue to be peaceful and be the ambassador of the Dangote Group.

 

Representative of the Chairman Lokoja Local Government Area, Danjuma Abubakar, said the people of Kogi would continue to be the Ambassadors of Mr Aliko Dangote for his numerous interventions in their lives.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote sponsors 2025 Abuja Trade Fair, stimulates Intra-African partnership
Economy/Business

Dangote sponsors 2025 Abuja Trade Fair, stimulates Intra-African partnership

Dangote Industries Limited is sponsoring the 2025 Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) which officially opens on Sept. 25, the company said in a statement.

“Dangote Group is proud to announce its strategic partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), organisers of the 2025 Abuja International Trade Fair.

“This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and boost intra African trade and investments.

“The forum also serves as a platform for us to showcase a wide range of innovative products and our contributions to the sustainable development of Nigeria,” the statement from the Corporate Communications department said.

The statement signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said the Dangote Group has been consistent in its partnership with the Chamber.

He added that the company’s President, Aliko Dangote, is passionate about the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which, he said is strategically located in the Nigeria’s capital city which is home to policymakers and members of the Diplomatic Community.

Chiejina said the theme for the 20th Trade Fair: ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” aptly resonates with the core of the conglomerate.

He quoted the Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying: “Dangote Industries Limited is a recognised market leader in Africa, yet it is not resting on its oars.

“Nearly all our Strategic Business Units will be showcasing innovative products at the fair, ranging from sugar, cement, salt, fertilizer, trucks, Dangote Peugeot Automobile, packaging materials, seasoning, petroleum products, and more.”

Wali-Abdurrahman noted that Dangote Group would leverage the Chamber’s planned launch of the “Buy Africa, Build Africa” (BABA) initiative, describing it as a welcome development.

She added that the conglomerate has long been at the forefront of promoting local content development in Nigeria while also driving the growth of intra-African trade.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, announced that the 12-day fair is expected to attract over 100,000 participants.

These, he said, would include representatives from government agencies, multinational corporations, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), diplomatic missions, and development partners.

He noted that the exhibitions would cover a wide range of sectors, including trade, agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, environmental solutions, and creative industries.

He said one of the high points of the event would be the strategic partnership with the Dangote Group.

“Our collaboration with Dangote reflects our commitment to driving economic growth, strengthening trade, and creating opportunities for businesses and communities.

“The Dangote Group’s active participation in the 20th edition of the Trade Fair further demonstrates its role as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial and commercial landscape,” he added.

The Chamber’s President said: “The Fair is designed not only as a marketplace for business networking and investment opportunities but also as a platform to showcase green innovations and eco-friendly technologies that can transform industries and improve the quality of life.”

Similarly, the Director-General of ACCI, Dr Agabaidu Jideani, said by participating, investors like the Dangote Group stand to gain a lot through access to market, green opportunities, network and collaboration, brand visibility and credibility, among others.

“The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) highly values its long-standing partnership with the Dangote Group, which has been a consistent supporter of the Abuja International Trade Fair and other initiatives that promote commerce and industry in Nigeria,” the DG said.

The DG described the partnership with the Dangot Group as important, because “it not only enhances the visibility and global reach of the Trade Fair but also reinforces the Chamber’s mission of promoting sustainable development, innovation, and investment.

“Dangote’s presence inspires confidence among stakeholders and attracts greater participation from both local and international exhibitors.

“Going forward, ACCI remains committed to strengthening this collaboration with the Dangote Group, ensuring that together we continue to make impactful contributions to Nigeria’s economic transformation.” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote urges Africa to fill manufacturing gaps
General News

Dangote urges Africa to fill manufacturing gaps

By Nana Musa

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on Africans to leverage on internal strengths and global opportunities to fill existing gaps, and adopt a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation of Africa’s manufacturing sector.

He said that this would serve as a panacea against the current global economic instability.

Dangote, who was represented by Mr Mansur Ahmed, made the call at the ongoing 4th Intra-African Trade Fair holding in Algiers, Algeria.

He also encouraged operators in the manufacturing and industrial sectors to embrace a fundamental shift in mindset and develop robust regional value chains and deepen intra-African trade.

Dangote noted that current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains.

He also urged African exporters to benefit from the current process to fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products.

“I am glad to be here at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). I am immensely grateful to the organisers – not only for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to speak – but also for going a step further by dedicating this remarkable day to my organisation, Dangote Group. To have today officially set aside as Dangote Day is both an honour and a privilege.

“I thank the conveners – The African Export Import Bank, the African Union Commission and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat – for organising this event. We appreciate the invaluable contributions you have made and the excellent work you continue to do in promoting, facilitating, and deepening trade and investment across the continent.”

Speaking at the company’s Special Day, he said: “This year’s theme, “Gateway to New Opportunities,” resonates deeply as a powerful reminder of the huge potential and prospects that abound across the African continent.

“For too long Africa’s resources have been exported as primary commodities in their raw and unrefined state with limited domestic processing or beneficiation.

“There must be a fundamental shift in mindset and a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation and the development of Africa’s manufacturing sector. While this was always necessary in the past, it is even more urgent today, given the alarming rise in youth unemployment, and the need for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Dangote said that the current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains.

“African exporters could benefit if they can fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products.

“Furthermore, global instability has encouraged African nations to look inward and actively pursue greater regional self-reliance. This inward focus can catalyse the development of robust regional value chains and significantly deepen intra-African trade.

“At Dangote, we are very proud of our Afrocentric posture, driven by an unwavering commitment to the continent’s growth and industrial transformation.

“We have added value to limestone and created the largest cement company in sub–Saharan Africa with an aggregate cement production capacity of about 52MMtpa across 10 countries,” Dangote stated.

He added that the company’s 3MMtpa urea plant has contributed to the attainment of fertiliser self-sufficiency.

He said that Nigeria, which once solely reliant on imports, was now a net exporter of granulated urea to destinations in Africa as well as to South America, North America and Europe.

“More recently, we have witnessed the commencement of operation of Africa’s biggest oil refinery – also the world’s largest single-train facility, with a capacity of 650kbpd.

“This landmark project is gradually reducing the region’s long-standing dependence on imports of refined petroleum products, particularly from Europe, while also generating surplus for export to global markets.

“As Africa becomes more self-sufficient in energy it should reduce our vulnerability to external shocks and supply disruptions.

“Africa’s potential and prospects are immense. However, this potential will only be fully actualised if individual nations take deliberate steps to improve their business environment.

“Unlocking new economic opportunities requires the implementation of appropriate policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and attractive sector wide incentives to facilitate the inflow of private capital” Dangote said.

The Dangote Special Day drew admirers and various attendees, various Business Units of the conglomerate such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Polypropylene, and Dangote Packaging.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote, NUPENG Face-off: NLC seeks Tinubu’s intervention
General News

Dangote, NUPENG Face-off: NLC seeks Tinubu’s intervention

Intervention

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to promptly intervene in the face-off between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group.

The congress specifically called on the President to call on the Dangote Group to comply with labour laws and international conventions.

NLC made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero, which was made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

The statement was sequel to the announcement by NUPENG that it would commence a nationwide strike from Sunday, over what it described as  Dangote’s “anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.”

Ajaero called on the President to “immediately call Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to order” and impress on them to respect the nation and international laws.

Ajaero added that the government must not look the other way while a few individuals privatise the nation’s energy future and enslave its workforce.

The NLC President accused Dangote Group of exploiting Nigerian workers while disregarding their constitutional rights to unionise and bargain collectively.

“The NLC unequivocally condemn the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates.

“Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences,” he said.

Ajaero said the congress further demanded the immediate unionisation of Dangote Refinery and all its subsidiaries.

Accordig to him, preparations are underway for a united resistance in solidarity with NUPENG, including possible industrial action.

“If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will move beyond words to action.

“Our solidarity is not negotiable. We will fight because we must.

“The working class must not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Kogi communities benefit from Dangote Cement scholarship
General News

Kogi communities benefit from Dangote Cement scholarship

 

The Dangote Cement has extended its scholarship programme to 50 people from Oworo District of Kogi.

 

Speaking at the award ceremony in Obajana on Monday, the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, explained that although the Oworo communities do not fall directly within the company’s catchment areas, Dangote Cement had chosen to extend its generosity by including them in the beneficiaries of the scheme.

 

The Plant Director noted that company already operates a Scholarship Scheme for its host communities in line with the provisions of the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

 

He added that, beyond the scholarship programme, the company also provided boreholes to five different Oworo communities, which further demonstrates its commitment to improving the welfare of the people.

 

He assured the communities that the company remains committed to sustaining its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

 

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of Social Performance, Mr Ademola Adeyemi, disclosed that out of the initial 50 beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme, 26 are female while 24 are male

 

He said: “As a policy, we will continue with each beneficiary, until they complete their academic programmes, provided they are able to sustain their academic performance, and we will only replace them with fresh beneficiaries upon exit of some current beneficiaries from school.”

 

Adeyemi said the initial 50 students for the 2025/26 session were selected with the active support of the Oworo Development Association and other key stakeholders.

 

“Permit me to note that today’s event is not just about financial support, it is about investing in the future of our community. These scholarships symbolise hope, opportunity, and the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a chance to pursue their dreams through education,” he added.

 

In his reaction, the President of the Oworo Development Association, Alhaji Jibril Ibrahim, commended the Dangote Cement Plc for making the dream of Oworo people come true.

 

“To our young beneficiaries, I urge you to see this scholarship as a challenge to excel. Work hard, remain disciplined, and make your community proud. The opportunity before you today is a seed, nurture it well so that one day you will give back to others.”

Also speaking, the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Omolayo Bilkisu, said the government of Kogi believed in a Public Private partnership to move the state forward,

 

She added that the government was proud of the support the company is offering to the communities through its education and empowerment programmes.

 

The Olu of Apata Oba Frederick Balogun said: “Education remains the strongest foundation for development, and by supporting our sons and daughters in their academic pursuits, Dangote Cement has once again demonstrated its commitment to the growth and wellbeing of its host communities.

 

“This gesture will ease the burden on parents, encourage hard work among students, and inspire hope in many households.”

 

Oba Ahmodu Adoga, who is the Obaro of Ogbagon Community, said the community would continue to be grateful as education opens doors of opportunities for the youth.

 

“Once again, we thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the management, and staff of Dangote Cement Plc for their continued support. May this bond of cooperation between the company and Obajana grow stronger for the benefit of all.”

 

Victoria Temitope, a Councillor in one of the wards of the Oworo communities, thanked the President of the Dangote Group for the support and urged beneficiaries to maximise the advantages by studying hard.

 

“To our sons and daughters who have received this opportunity, I encourage you to study hard. Make the best use of it. Tomorrow, you will be the doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders that will bring pride and progress back to the Oworo communities,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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