FG Commends Dangote Cement Over Multi-Million Naira Interventions in Benue
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has stated that Dangote Cement Plc is creating measurable and sustainable impacts within its host communities in Gboko, Benue State.
This assessment was shared by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the official commissioning of various multi-million naira social investment projects, including water infrastructure, scholarship awards, and a youth skill acquisition programme.
While reviewing the company’s contributions, the Minister praised the firm for its commitment to community development. He also recognized the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its role in partnering with the company to supervise the technical training of local youths.
Represented by Mrs. Adijatu Usman, the Assistant Director of Mines and Environmental Compliance for Benue State, the Minister noted that Dangote Cement is effectively meeting its obligations under the Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The Minister explained that the CDA is a central pillar of government policy designed to ensure that mining companies reinvest a portion of their profits into the areas where they operate. “I can tell you that the Dangote Cement has delivered several projects for its host communities. The project was a fallout of a Federal Government policy for companies such as Dangote to give back to its host communities,” he said.
He further clarified that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure mining activities remain sustainable and beneficial to local residents. “It is a Federal Government policy for mining companies to reinvest part of their profits into host mining communities so as to impact the communities, and as a result of that policy we have had series of engagements with them,” the Minister added.
According to the government, the projects were not imposed but were selected through a consultative process with the six host communities. “We sat with them several times and these projects are certified community-based projects because the community agreed that they needed these projects. And we are here today because the projects have been completed,” the Minister said.
He urged the residents to protect the new infrastructure, stating, “What we expect is for the communities to see these projects as their personal projects; own them, and protect them, so that they will be sustainable. That way there will be economic development within the communities.”
Dr. Johnson Kor, the Head of Social Performance at the Dangote Cement Plant in Gboko, provided details on the specific needs addressed by the interventions. He pointed out that the projects were primarily directed at communities facing severe challenges with potable water.
“We are here today to commission CDA projects that were earmarked for these host communities since last year December 2024. We have done many of them and these are the ones that have been completed, and they are water projects among them motorized and solar powered boreholes,” Dr. Kor said.
The water projects, consisting of solar-powered and motorized boreholes, are located in Pass Brother, Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu, Mbaswa-Mbatser, and Agboghol-Amua. Dr. Kor observed that despite the proximity of some areas to the River Benue, clean water has remained a perennial struggle for many.
“These are areas where they hardly get water, despite having hand dug wells… some of them are using water from the streams or river because of their proximity to River Benue. Therefore, we felt there was need to provide water for them, and they are happy with this kind of gesture,” he noted.
Traditional leaders expressed deep appreciation for the intervention. Chief Kunav Anum, the District Head of Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu, shared the excitement of his people regarding the new borehole in their domain.
“We are very excited. We didn’t know that this would happen so soon in this community. It came as a surprise, so we are grateful to Dangote Cement Plc for the gesture,” the monarch said. He also mentioned that the community had previously accessed electricity through the company’s support and pledged continued cooperation.
In addition to infrastructure, the company has scaled up its educational support. A statement from Dangote Cement revealed that the annual scholarship fund has been increased to ₦28.8 million. This expansion aims to ensure equity and inclusiveness across all six host communities, including Tse-Kucha, Quarry, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.
The company also confirmed that several other initiatives are currently in progress. “The company has executed several projects, with others still ongoing, including the Women Empowerment Programme, the Farmers Empowerment Programme and the Youth Empowerment Programme, all aimed at improving livelihoods in the host communities,” the statement read.
