Dangote Cement Gboko Plant Flags Off 2025 Sustainability Week
By Patience Ikpeme
Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko Plant, has commenced its 2025 Sustainability Week, an annual initiative that demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and sustainable economic growth.
The week-long programme, themed “Sustainable Progress: Celebrating Growth & Partnerships,” was officially declared open by the Plant Director, Engr. Abhijit Dutta, who described sustainability as the foundation of modern industrial growth and community impact.
Engr. Dutta explained that sustainable development entails “meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs,” noting that in cement manufacturing, this principle is about maintaining a balanced scorecard that integrates People, Planet, and Profit.
He said this year’s celebration is dedicated to appreciating employees, vendors, suppliers, and contractors whose efforts have collectively driven operational efficiency and sustained production output at the Gboko plant.
“It is essential that we continuously sustain the progress we have made in DCP Gboko,” he said. “We have effectively reduced downtimes and achieved progress in waste-to-wealth strategies as part of our total quality management over the past months. Currently, we are implementing 5S in our plant section-wise. We were able to accomplish this because of our employees and vendors.”
Engr. Dutta further affirmed the plant’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of Climate Action, Circularity (DANGCIRCULAR), and Decarbonization. He noted that DCP Gboko has recorded significant progress by using biomass materials such as rice husks and palm kernel shells as alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions.
Also speaking during the event, the Head of Human Assets Management and Administration, Mr. Abubakar Abdulkareem, stressed the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in business operations.
“ESG is now essential in all businesses—it is a no-brainer not to recognize its importance,” Abdulkareem stated. “DCP Gboko has demonstrated strong progress with the signing of a multi-million-dollar Community Development Agreement (CDA), implementing projects for farmers in host communities, installing boreholes, and executing women and youth empowerment programmes.”
He urged all employees to continue to uphold “The Dangote Way,” maintaining excellence in performance and social responsibility.
The 2025 Sustainability Week began with a pre-event activity titled “The Power-in-Blue: Employee Fitness 10km Road Walk,” which promoted wellness and camaraderie among staff. The walk was led by Engr. Dutta, Mr. Abdulkareem, and Mr. Olusegun Orebanjo, Head of Financial Control.
Employees from both Dangote Cement Plc, Gboko, and Dangote Cement Transport participated in the event, which was supported by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Gboko Command and the Nigeria Police Force, Gboko Division.
Residents of the host community came out in large numbers to cheer participants during the exercise, which promoted the United Nations SDG Goal 3 — Good Health and Well-being — through physical fitness, community engagement, and employee wellness.
The day’s activities concluded with a friendly volleyball match between DCP Gboko and Dangote Cement Transport (DCT) teams. The DCP Gboko team featured a mixed lineup of male and female players, while the DCT team was composed entirely of male players.
In an exciting contest that showcased teamwork and enthusiasm, DCT emerged victorious, defeating DCP Gboko 2–0.
This year’s Sustainability Week theme aligns with key United Nations SDGs: Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflecting Dangote Cement’s ongoing drive toward sustainability, community development, and environmental responsibility.
