Dangote’s Okpella Cement Limited has achieved the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification, marking a major milestone in its pursuit of excellence in quality, environmental management, and workplace safety.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) conferred the certification following a successful audit, recognizing the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and health across its operations.

Speaking at a ceremony in Okpella over the weekend, the Plant Director, Engr. Mohammed Ismaeel, described the certification as a testament to the company’s dedication to global best practices.

“Okpella Plant’s IMS certification journey transformed our management practices into a cohesive system that meets global standards for quality, environmental stewardship, and occupational health and safety,” he said.

He added, “This certification means a lot to us. It is the outcome of hard work and reflects our commitment to the company’s vision of becoming one of the global leaders in cement manufacturing.

“We want to be respected for our product quality, service excellence, and ethical business conduct.”

Ismaeel highlighted several benefits of the certification, including global recognition, operational continuity, waste reduction, improved customer satisfaction, enhanced product quality, a strengthened culture of compliance, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

“This is not a certificate for show,” he emphasized. “It demonstrates our genuine commitment to the principles outlined in our quality, environmental, and health manuals.”

The certificate was presented to the company’s management by the Head of Quality Control and IMS Team Lead, Mr. Anil Rao, who noted that the milestone would further strengthen Okpella Cement Limited’s competitive position.

“Our goal is to build an integrated management system that guarantees consistent product quality, environmental responsibility, and safe working conditions. This milestone strategically positions Okpella Cement as a global leader in cement production,” Rao said.

He explained that the IMS certification aligns the company’s operations with three international standards — the Quality Management System (QMS), Environmental Management System (EMS), and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS).

According to him, the certification process followed a structured three-phase approach involving capacity building, implementation, and performance evaluation before the final certification.

Rao added that the achievement reaffirms Okpella Cement Limited’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and global best practices.