By Rabiu Sanusi
Dangote Group’s industrialization stride in Nigeria has received yet another momentum as federal lawmakers back the company’s stride.
Members of the House of Representatives who visited Dangote Cement Plc in Obajana, Kogi State, expressed their delight at the significant economic impact the company has made in Nigeria’s cement subsector.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, who led his team to the Dangote cement plant, emphasized the need for collaboration between Nigeria’s political leaders and investors to drive the country’s industrialization.
He noted that Dangote Cement has paved the way with its substantial investments, job creation, tax contributions, and more.
He emphasized that everyone must work together to ensure Nigeria’s progress.
He stated that the visit by the joint subcommittee on Solid Minerals and Commerce was partly aimed at investigating the reasons behind the current cement prices and collaboratively seeking solutions.
Responding to the visiting lawmakers about the current prices, Mr. Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, stated that cement inputs are dollar driven except limestone which is found in Nigeria.
Some of these inputs, according to him include: machineries, spare parts, the gas for fuel and Gypsum which is one of the raw materials.
Mr. Pathak explained that the rise and instability in foreign exchange rates have been significant factors contributing to the current prices of cement products.
He said Dangote Group is Nigeria’s largest employer outside of government.
He also explained that compared to 2021, the salaries of the company’s employees have been increased by 21.3% in 2022 to 47.5% in 2023 and 63.2% in 2024.
The salary increase was meant to meet up the inflation in the country.
Reacting also, Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, emphasized that the transport segement of the Cement company has introduced CNG trucks to its fleet.
He also said that the company has invested in alternative fuel projects to demonstrate its initiatives to cleanup Nigeria.
The Alternative fuel project uses biomass waste which is blocking the fertile land as a source of clean energy. The ambition of the company is to make Nigeria visible for its contribution towards reduction in Global warming.
Engr Nawabuddin, who also spoke to newsmen on the sideline of the tour by the lawmakers, said the social intervention schemes of the company run into billions of naira, adding that the company would not rest on its oars.
The Plant Director said that by incorporating advanced technologies and maintenance strategies, Dangote Cement has upheld operational efficiency while upholding its social commitments.
Some of the community related intervention schemes embedded in the Community Development Agreement (CDA), he said, include: provision of scholarship, construction of blocks of classrooms, construction of boreholes, building of hospitals and construction, and rehabilitation road networks.
Engr. Nawabuddin explained that the company has delivered a multimillion naira health facility at Iwaa, one of the mining communities, as well as launched several other empowerment schemes.
He also told newsmen that the Dangote Cement Plc is set to deliver a multimillion naira Aliko Dangote Skills Development Centre in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
According to him, the company is one of the biggest tax payers in the country, surpassing the banking sector in 2023.
The lawmakers also visited the Dangote Plant at Okpella Edo State
Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Okpella, Edo State, Engr Ismail Muhammad, said the company has invested hugely in state-of-the art facility in is bid achieve operational efficiency.
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