SON Commends Dangote Cement for Driving Excellence in Manufacturing
By Patience Ikpeme
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended Dangote Cement Plc for its role in strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and urged other companies to adopt similar dedication to quality and operational excellence.
The commendation followed the successful completion of the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification Audit at Dangote Cement’s Obajana Plant in Kogi State.
The exercise, conducted by SON expert auditors, assessed the plant’s compliance with quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards. The audit, which comprised Stages 1 and 2, lasted for over a week.
Speaking after the audit, the Team Lead of the SON auditors, Mrs. Ijeoma Nkechi Ohaemesi, praised the company’s management for its commitment to high standards.
“Dangote Cement’s continuous drive for improvement across all operational processes sets a benchmark for quality and innovation within the industry,” Ohaemesi said.
She explained that the certification process was designed to ensure alignment with Management System Standards while promoting continuous improvement.
The ISO System Coordinator for Dangote Group, Sani Mikail, explained that the establishment of the ISO Management System across all Dangote Cement plants was approved by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, under the guidance of the Group Vice-President (Oil & Gas), Mr. Devakumar Edwin.
According to Mikail, “The ISO Management System implementation and sustenance in the Dangote Group have recorded successes over time, with value-added opportunities across the processes and systems in Dangote Cement plants since 2010.”
Obajana Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, described the certification as a major achievement, noting that the IMS had delivered immense benefits to the company.
“The system has been instrumental in driving continual improvement of our processes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Company’s Representative, Kommineni Suresh, pointed out that the Obajana Plant had set an industry milestone.
“DCP Obajana is one of the first cement factories in Nigeria to attain the IMS certification,” Suresh said.
The Plant’s IMS Team Lead, Mrs. Akindele Temitope, attributed the success to management’s commitment and teamwork across the plant.
“This was only possible through management’s commitment and everyone’s dedication to this cause,” Temitope stated. “The certification will further enhance compliance, quality, safety, and improve communication and business focus.”
“With this milestone, DCP Obajana strengthens its position as an industry leader committed to excellence, sustainability, and global best practices,” she added.
SON, which is responsible for setting and enforcing quality standards for products and services in Nigeria, said Dangote Cement’s achievement reflects the kind of industrial growth and commitment to global best practices that the nation requires to remain competitive.
