Dangote Cement Gboko reaffirms commitment to host communities

The management of Dangote Cement’s Gboko Plant has reiterated its dedication to the socio-economic development and well-being of its host communities. In a statement made available to The Guardian, Gboko Plant Director Louis Raj emphasised that the host communities are crucial stakeholders in the company’s operations, and their developmental needs remain a high priority for the cement giant.

Addressing recent reports alleging the neglect of local communities, Mr. Raj made it clear that the company has consistently fulfilled its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations. He highlighted the firm’s ongoing investments in the infrastructural and socio-economic development of the surrounding areas, stressing that every segment of the host communities benefits from the company’s social investments.

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“The company remains steadfast in implementing the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the host communities,” Mr. Raj said. He added that Dangote Cement’s efforts include sustainable environmental practices, capacity building, and infrastructural development, all aimed at ensuring mutual benefits between the company and the local population.

Raj further clarified that the Gboko Cement Plant operates in full compliance with environmental and other governmental regulations.

“It is on record and verifiable that all government agencies responsible for industrial ecological assessment have periodically visited the Gboko Cement Plant and certified that it operates within approved industrial environmental limits,” he asserted. “The Federal Ministry of Environment, Benue State Agency of Environment, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and other oversight agencies can attest to these claims.

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“Whenever an incident of ecological concern arises, the company takes prompt action to ensure proper remediation, and, in some cases, provides appropriate compensation to affected community members.”

The company’s commitment to the environment also extends to prompt actions when ecological issues arise. According to Mr. Raj, the plant takes swift remedial action and, in certain cases, compensates affected community members.

Among the significant community-focused projects undertaken by the Gboko Plant is the installation of over 50 hand-pump and motorised water boreholes across various settlements, including 17 projects within the Mbayion clan, which directly benefits communities such as Amua, Tse-Kucha, and the Quarry Community. The company is currently constructing additional motorised water boreholes and installing 30,000-litre capacity steel overhead water tanks to improve access to clean water.

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“In response to a request from the Tse-Kucha community, we recently repaired the flow valve at the water earth dam, which supplies water for household uses,” Mr. Raj disclosed. He further announced that plans for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the dam, originally constructed by the Benue Cement Company over three decades ago, have been finalised. In the interim, Dangote Cement has been supplying water to households using tanker trucks positioned at strategic locations within the community.

The Gboko Plant’s director also highlighted the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. He underscored the company’s ongoing decarbonisation initiatives, including extensive tree planting across various settlements as part of the group’s broader climate change policy.

Mr. Raj also called on all stakeholders to maintain open communication and active engagement with the management of Dangote Cement to ensure peaceful coexistence and a harmonious relationship.