By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Dangote Cement Plc has been praised for promoting best practices, especially ensuring that all its operations are sustainable so that the environment is not adversely affected.
This commendation was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Mr Iziaq Saloko, during a familiarisation visit to the Dangote Cement plant in Ibese, Ogun State.
The visit was followed by a community engagement preparatory to the Expert Panel Review of the report of an Environmental Impact Assessment carried out on coal milling at the facility.
“Dangote Industries as a whole is an international conglomerate and I am happy that the company is at the forefront of promoting best practices in terms of conception, planning, implementation, and management of factories that are manufacturers like this,” the Minister stated.
He also applauded the cement miller for its vital role in the economic diversification agenda of President Bola Tinubu, saying the company has created jobs and opportunities for export.
The Minister pointed out that while the mining sector has huge potential to develop the nation’s economy, many challenges are associated with mining activities.
Mr Salako explained that his visit was not unconnected with the Environmental Impact Assessment, which is being done on the plant coal mill, noting “there is a need for mining operations to be done sustainably so that the environment is not adversely affected. But I applaud Dangote Cement for being at the forefront of promoting best practices.”
“For us in the Ministry of Environment, it means we must also sit up. Mining as it comes with its advantages, also comes with its challenges.
“So, we must be up and doing, as we expand the economy and grow Nigeria. We should also do it in a sustainable manner so that the environment is not adversely affected.
“We must continue in that respect to ensure that best practices are always promoted, environmental and social impact assessments are properly carried out, the stakeholders are properly involved, and the environment is properly protected so that our growth can be sustainable. That’s why we are here and I am happy that Dangote is at the forefront of that,” he added.
Also, the Governor of Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, showered encomium on Dangote Cement for contributing to the economic growth of the Gateway State through the payment of levies and taxes.
He called for more collaboration between the state agencies and the company, noting that the state was not unaware of the activities of the plant to lift its host communities, adding that the state government will be more than ready to assist the organisation in any way possible.
In his remarks, the Plant Director for Dangote Cement in Ibese, Mr Azad Nawabuddin, said the plant deals with 17 host communities across Yewa North and Ewekoro Local Government Areas of the state, saying they have greatly felt the impacts of the company through empowerment programmes and provision of infrastructure.
He affirmed that Dangote Cement Ibese Plant has been a major contributor to economic diversification efforts of both the state and federal governments by creating jobs, exporting cement and clinker to neighbouring countries to attract foreign exchange into the country, and paying humongous taxes and levies to the state and federal government.
