Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has commended Dangote Cement Plc for its commitment to developing its host communities.

The minister gave the commendation at the signing of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) between Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, and Jakura Community on Wednesday, saying the government was proud of the company for being a responsible corporate citizen.

The minister, who was represented by Bimbo Olaoye, urged the community to continue to co-exist with the company peacefully. He said the government would continue to ensure that the company enjoys smooth operational turf, while creating jobs and implementing social programmes.

The company and host community sealed a historic CDA. The agreement signing ceremony brought jubilation to the community.

It is one of many CDAs the company has with its host communities to enable it to implement mutually-agreed social projects in the next five years.
The CDA serves as a pathway for the transfer of impactful socio-economic development programmes and projects to host communities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, said the pact was in fulfillment 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 Government.

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

“For us as a company, we believe in the mantra that ‘good neighbourliness is good business’. Hence, we do everything conceivable to maintain a harmonious relationship with the communities where we operate,” he said.