The Dangote Cement Gboko Plant’s management team acknowledges the significance of its host communities as crucial stakeholders in its operations. Consequently, the team prioritizes addressing their developmental requirements.
Louis Raj, the Director of the Gboko Plant, highlighted the company’s steadfast dedication to enhancing the infrastructure and socio-economic conditions of these communities. He assured that all segments of the host communities would reap the benefits of the company’s social investment initiatives.
In response to a recent report suggesting community neglect, management clarified that the cement company has consistently honored its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations and has fostered a strong, mutually advantageous relationship with local residents.
Raj pointed out that the company has been actively executing the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the host communities, expanding its CSR initiatives to encompass sustainable environmental practices, capacity building, and infrastructure development.
He further emphasized that the Gboko Cement Plant operates in full adherence to environmental and governmental regulations. “It is documented and verifiable that all relevant government agencies responsible for industrial ecological assessments have conducted periodic inspections of the Gboko Cement Plant and confirmed that it functions within the established industrial environmental standards. The Federal Ministry of Environment, the Benue State Agency of Environment, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), along with other regulatory bodies, can corroborate these assertions.
“In instances where ecological issues arise, the company promptly takes action to ensure effective remediation and, in certain cases, offers suitable compensation to affected community members.”
He elaborated that the company has made significant contributions to addressing water shortages in numerous communities, including those outside its immediate operational areas. Over the years, the DCP Gboko plant has successfully installed more than 50 hand-pump and motorized water boreholes in various locations. Among these initiatives, 17 have been completed in the Mbayion clan, directly benefiting the host communities of Amua, Tse-Kucha, and the Quarry Community.
Raj also mentioned that the company is in the process of constructing additional motorized water boreholes and is installing pumps along with 30,000-liter capacity steel overhead water tanks for these communities.
In response to a request from the Tse-Kucha community, the company has recently undertaken repairs on the flow valve at the water earth dam that provides essential water for various household needs.
Furthermore, plans have been finalized for a thorough rehabilitation of the earth dam, which was originally built and donated to the Tse-Kucha community by the former Benue Cement Company over three decades ago.
While these community water initiatives are progressing towards completion, the company is actively tackling water supply issues by delivering water to households in Tse-Kucha through tanker trucks strategically placed throughout the community.
The director of the Gboko plant underscored Dangote Cement’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its proactive approach to climate change. He pointed out that the company has established a comprehensive climate change policy that aligns its operations with international climate objectives.
As part of the Group’s environmental sustainability initiative, the DCP Gboko Plant has launched a focused decarbonization strategy, which includes extensive tree planting efforts across various community areas.
“We encourage all stakeholders of Dangote Cement, Gboko Plant to work together with management to maintain ongoing community engagement and dialogue. This will promote a harmonious and peaceful coexistence, creating a favorable business environment for everyone’s benefit.”
