Tag: Dangote Cement

The Management of Dangote Cement has announced that it will commission the 3Mta grinding plant in Côte d’Ivoire by the third quarter of this year, which is expected to strengthen the company’s position in Africa and contribute significantly to its exports.

Chief Executive of Dangote Cement, Arvind Pathak, in a note to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, said the company is encouraged by the growth in its export business. He said: “Export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2%, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon. This demonstrates the growing importance of our pan-African footprint and our ongoing commitment to regional trade and self-sufficiency.”

Arvind Pathak also revealed that the company’s strategic priorities remain focused on long-term value creation. He said Dangote Cement has made significant progress in further strengthening its cost architecture. “…During the period, we began the phased delivery of 1,600 additional CNG-powered trucks, which will significantly reduce our logistics costs and enhance environmental efficiency.”

Commenting on the financials for the second quarter, which he said was built on the company’s strength, resilience, and adaptability amidst improvements in key macroeconomic indicators, he said the company’s focus on operational efficiency and cost containment is delivering tangible results.

Read Also: Aliko Dangote retires from Dangote Cement Plc

According to him: “Group EBITDA rose by an impressive 41.8% to N944.9 billion, while Group profit surged by 174.1%. This remarkable performance is a testament to our disciplined execution, strong cost leadership, and the strategic investments we have made over the years.”

Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with 52.0Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer that  have a production capacity of 35.25Mta in Nigeria. Its Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 16.25Mta of capacity across five lines; while its Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta. In the same vein, its Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta, and its Okpella plant in Edo state has 3Mta. Through its recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries.

In addition, the company has operations in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (2.0Mta clinker grinding and import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.5Mta import), South Africa (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).

Over 30  Host Communities to Dangote Cement Ibese Plant as well as those in Itori in Yewa North,  Ewekoro local government aeras of Ogun State respectively were thrown into excitement as the Aliko Dangote Foundation, (ADF) extended its National Food Intervention programme to the people distributing over 3000 bags of rice to the less privileged in the communities.

It was the same at the host communities to Dangote Granite and Mines in Ijebu-Igbo as the beneficiaries turned up in large numbers at the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo palace and that of Sopenlukale of Oke-Sopen where the bags of rice were distributed to the deserving populace.

Aboro of Ibese, Oba Rotimi Mulero and his counterpart in Itori, the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo were full of praises to the Chairman of the Foundation, Aliko Dangote for his magnanimity in ensuring food security in the host communities and thereby reducing hunger among their people.

While presenting bags of rice to some of the beneficiaries in Ibese, Oba Mulero explained to the people that the initiative is focused on reaching out to the aged, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups facing hardship in the face of current biting economic climate.

He stated that beyond the rice distribution there has existed a longstanding collaboration between the host communities and the ADF on one hand and the Dangote Cement on another hand, especially in the areas of empowerments and capacity building. He also acknowledged ADF’s consistent corporate social responsibility efforts, particularly towards host communities.

Said he: “We all were here last year, we are also here this year, for distribution of food items. Let me on behalf of the community which I am the prescribing authority over, appreciate the management team of Aliko Dangote Foundation for this gesture. We would continue to pray that the organization continue to flourish. Last year, I called this exercise” Operation Feed the Nation” which we have witnessed some years ago in the country. We are seeing Alhaji Aliko Dangote reintroducing the programme with this yearly rice distribution exercise. We are proud of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dangote Group and Aliko Dangote Foundation.

 “With this gesture, God will continue to strengthen the managements of Dangote Foundation, Dangote Cements especially Dangote Cement, Ibese plant. You can see that our people have turned out in their thousands ,waiting to get the item, when we started sharing, you saw the smiles in the faces”.

Earlier in his remarks, representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Victor Edero said the Foundation’s food inflation intervention was designed to complement the government’s food security efforts toward distribution of food items to all the 774 local government areas across the country.

Read Also: WCHL: $300,000 global hackathon opens for Nigerian young tech innovators

He explained that the economic downturn has made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic staples like rice, making such support crucial, adding that the foundation gives priorities to the host communities, especially Ibese that’s hosting cement factory and other host communities.

Mr Ejiro reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to capture its target audiences like the vulnerable, downtrodden and aged, while urging for fair and equitable distribution to ensure all targeted beneficiaries get their share.

In their appreciations, some of the beneficiaries lauded the initiative, stating it was a clear example of how public-private partnerships can be harnessed to ease people’s burdens and promote inclusive development.

Earlier, the Olu itori thanked Alhaji Dangote for cunting Itori worthy of benefiting from the food intervention programme, given that the Cement Plant in the area is still under construction and his people will give all necessary cooperation to ensure the plant takes off smoothly.

He described the construction of the plant as a fulfilment of long time promise made to his people that he would ensure a notable company is established in his domain through which the people could be gainfully employed and the economy of the community turned around

It would be recalled that the Aliko Dangote Foundation under its National Food Intervention Programme had last week distributed Forty (40,000) thousand 10kg bags of rice across the twenty (20) local government areas of Ogun State.

The implementation of the community development agreement with host communities by the management of Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, came under applause at the weekend as host communities as well as the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development praised the management for diligent execution of the agreement for the benefit of the rural communities.

South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mines Environment Compliance for the Ministry, Mr. Mathew Ochimana expressed delight at the way and manner the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant has been socially responsible to its host communities thereby fostering atmosphere of peace all year round.

He spoke during the certificates award and starter packs presentation to the host community youths who completed the 2024 Youth Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme organized by the Ibese plant of the foremost Cement Plant in Ogun state.

Mr Ochiama who was represented by tan officer of the Ministry pointed out that his ministry has never had cause to wade into any dispute between the management and host communities but had always been invited for one programme or the other that benefits the people and the communities.

While urging Dangote Cement to continue partner with the host communities with more empowerment programmes to develop the communities and equip the people, he also enjoined the host communities to reciprocate the good gesture by maintaining peace and supporting the company to do more.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman, Host Communities Joint Consultative Committee, Hon. Dayo Ogunyinka thanked Dangote Cement for always rising up to the occasion noting that the company has never shied away from its social responsibilities by constantly developing programmes that could lift the people and add value to them.

Read Also: Food prices drop, ease cost of living

He recalled that the Ibese plant has been able to train host community youths in various skills, “I can remember we have gathered here before to graduate thos who were trained in the art of electrical electronics, those who specialized in shoe making, those who chose acupuncture, and today its painting and Plaster of Paris (PoP).

 “Worthy of mentioning is the fact Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant don’t just train, they also provide the starter pack to start for the graduands to start working straightaway, we cant ask for less. I am however saddened that some of our youths run away from this lofty training by not presenting themselves.

 “We are very lucky in our communities to have Dangote Cement here, they not only cater for the youths, they do for the wome, the elderly, the farmers and others, we are indeed lucky. We can only pray that God will continue to be with the organization.”

Addressing the youths earlier, Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Director, Mr. Roy Uttam, explained that the training initiative was a partnership between Dangote Cement Plc and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Abeokuta Area Office, and that it underscored the company’s commitment to socio-economic development in its host communities.

He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing its focus on Health, Education, Infrastructure, and Empowerment. He noted that the Dangote Academy and various training programs have continued to create employment opportunities and enhance skill acquisition among Nigerian youths.

Recognizing the economic challenges facing the country, Uttam stressed the need for young people to embrace self-reliance through vocational skills. He commended the thirty (30) graduates from the 17 host communities who successfully completed training in Plaster of Paris (PoP), screeding, and painting, urging them to utilize their newfound skills to build sustainable careers. The trainees received start-up kits, including tools such as trowels, measuring tapes, and shovels, to aid them in establishing their businesses.

Said he; “Dangote Cement’s recognition of the youth as a critical stakeholder group is evident in our commitment to collaborating with them to unlock their potential and empower them to succeed.

 “In addition to our annual skills acquisition program, we also offer annual scholarship awards for 120 brilliant and indigent students. We have established dedicated structure to ensure that we consistently listen to, and address the concerns of the youths, while also providing training on effective representation to enhance their capacity to lead and serve in various roles in the society.

 “Our objective is to empower local communities, enabling them to become self-sustaining through the delivery of tangible and lasting value.

 “Today, we proudly identify with another set of youths, thirty (30) in number, from our seventeen (17) host communities who will receive their certificates and start-up kits, including tools such as trowels, measuring tapes, shovels, and more after months of learning, perseverance and endurance.”

Also speaking at the event, ITF Area Manager, Abeokuta, Mrs. Abolanle Ajibade, also expressed special thanks to Dangote Cement Plc, stating, “It is with a sense of accomplishment that I stand before you to bring this impactful 2024 skills acquisition and empowerment training program to a close.

“This training program, PoP, screeding, and painting, was not merely an opportunity to gain knowledge but also an avenue to forge connections, share experiences, and challenge ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones. To our facilitators, your dedication and expertise have been invaluable. You have gone above and beyond to provide us with tools, insights, and guidance needed to thrive. To participants, congratulations on your commitment, resilience, and passion throughout this training.”

Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Akinbode Olusola advised the youth participants to see the training as a life time opportunity to make a difference in life noting that thousands of youth in the society would not have access to the opportunity they are getting on a platter of gold.

He recalled how a vocation on photography marked a turning point in his life after gaining admission to higher institution as he would  have have dropped for lack of resources if not for the photography which he used to finance his education.

The Group Head Social Performance DCP, Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, highlighted the importance of the tools given to the trainees, emphasizing their role in empowering the youths to start making an impact in their communities immediately. He encouraged them to implement their skills and begin their entrepreneurial journey without delay.

“This initiative reflects Dangote Cement’s ongoing commitment to investing in human capital development and fostering economic self-sufficiency among Nigerian youths. As the program continues to evolve, stakeholders remain optimistic about its lasting impact on the local economy and the empowerment of future generations.”

…Feeds vulnerable communities, empowers children, widows

As part of activities marking the 2024 Global Sustainability Week, leading Cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc has reached out to vulnerable and deprived communities across its business operations with food items and unveiled skills acquisition and educational empowerment initiatives.

This is just as the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote assured all stakeholders that all his Business Units are committed to optimising their operations to contribute to the attainment of net zero within the global stipulated timeframe.

The reach out initiative, which is one of the hallmarks of the 2024 Dangote Sustainability Week themed “Business Optimisation for Net Zero – The Dangote Journey” saw Dangote Cement identifying the vulnerable groups comprising of children, widows, and the aged.

About 250 children and 75 households benefitted from the gesture. The initiative, which was being carried out simultaneously in all the business operations of the Company in Nigeria and other locations across Africa, had the Lagos event held at Ikosi-Ketu in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

In his remarks to kickstart the group’s Sustainability Week, Aliko Dangote said the issue of sustainability is a subject that is critically important, not just to Dangote Industries, but for the future of humanity.

 “As one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, Dangote is responsible for leading the way in sustainable business practices. The world is facing an urgent climate crisis, and businesses must be at the forefront of the transition to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction and energy efficiency,” he said.

According to him, this year’s theme conveys the Company’s support for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s goal to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will curb human-induced interference with the climate system.

“This must happen within a timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened, and to enable sustainable economic development. At Dangote, we started this journey with a strategic focus on the 7 Dangote Sustainability Pillars (cultural, economic, operational, social, environmental, financial, and institutional) which drive how we do business, and named – The Dangote Way,” the foremost industrialist said.

He emphasised that “in our ongoing journey towards Net Zero, we embrace this Week both as an opportunity and a challenge. It requires us to rethink the way we do business, to be willing to take risks, and to collaborate with partners across industries.”

Speaking during the empowerment programme, the Head, Sustainability at Dangote Cement Plc, Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba said the manufacturing giant has been committed to sustainability. She noted that this year’s sustainability afforded the Cement Company another opportunity “to demonstrate our love for humanity by sharing our sustainability message and showing support to the residents of our host communities.”

Read Also: Troost-Ekong rejoices as CAF rules in favour of Nigeria

Represented by the Sustainability Manager, Dangote Cement, Dr. Oyelola Oyekemi, Igaezuma said, “we all know that the economic situation has contributed to an increase in households with limited access to health and sanitation, proper nutrition, education, and a safe living environment. For this year’s Sustainability Week, Dangote Cement recognises that families and children living in squatter settlements often endure hardship. The growing population of our society has also contributed to the development to the scarcity of jobs, affecting many households as well.

“While some of you work as small business owners and others are in between jobs and many do not even have the skill to help them get the jobs, these challenges limit not just adults but also children’s potentials to become responsible citizens who will transform Nigeria tomorrow,” Okoroba added.

She noted that “for this reason, Dangote Cement implements this charity outreach to support a more sustainable society. We believe your dreams and aspirations for improved health and sanitation, good nutrition, education, and clothing will come true if the private sector supports the government’s efforts. Our visit today is not only to give donations, but it also aims to pave the way for long-term developmental impacts, contributing to the UN Sustainable Goals. And the goals are, Goal 1, No Poverty, Goal 2, Zero Hunger, and Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.”

According to her, contribution to these goals will create a more stable and nurturing environment that promotes family welfare and sustainable communities.

The chairman of Omojuwa Estate Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Kinyomi Olaniewaja described the programme as timely and would benefit the community considering the present economic hardship in the country. He commended Dangote Cement for the good gesture, emphasising that it was the first time such humanitarian programme would be brought to the community.

Also in his remarks, the Grand Patron of Isokan Ifesowapo CDA, Alhaji Mamuda Ibrahim showered encomium of the management of Dangote Cement for the initiatives designed to bring succour to the vulnerable ones. He then called on other organisations to emulate Dangote Cement and reach out to the less-privileged especially on special occasions such as the Sustainability Week celebrations.

Dangote Cement has been honoured with the top prize at the inaugural Corporate Reporting Award, jointly organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and NGX Regulation Limited.

The leading cement manufacturer received the Platinum award for excelling across all three reporting categories, showcasing exemplary reporting practices that comprehensively address all relevant aspects of corporate reporting. According to the organisers, the scoring criteria involved a combination of average scoring and assessments from individual judges.

In addition to the Platinum award, Dangote Cement also clinched the Best in Class Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance, surpassing other nominees such as Access Holdings, Airtel Africa, ETI, MTN Nigeria, SEPLAT Energy, and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. Airtel Africa and Seplat Energy were recognized for Financial Reporting and Sustainability Reporting, earning Gold and Silver awards respectively in the overall category.

Read Also: NPHCDA aids Hajj Pilgrims with essential drugs

Edward Imoedemhe, the Company Secretary/General Counsel of Dangote Cement Plc, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the company’s dedication to corporate reporting standards. He said that the awards will serve as motivation to continually elevate performance in this area.

“We are grateful to the organisers for this honour which is a testament to our commitment to corporate reporting and best practice. We will continue to raise the bar,” he assured.

Olufemi Shobanjo, CEO of NGX Regulation Limited, highlighted the significance of the award in promoting transparency and accountability among listed companies, anticipating a positive ripple effect on both listed and private companies in Nigeria.

ICAN’s 59th President, Innocent Okwuosa, underscored the importance of corporate reporting excellence in attracting capital flows to the market. He emphasized the role of transparency in fostering investor confidence and reiterated ICAN’s commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in the private sector.

“It is generally agreed that capitals will flow to markets that foster greater transparency and this effort is aimed at this. It also re-enforces the public interest mandate of ICAN in extending accountability and transparency to the private sector,” he said.

The maiden Corporate Reporting Award recognized the top 30 most capitalized companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited for the 2022 financial reporting year.

Dangote Cement Plc has honoured an indigenous conglomerate, Repton Group with the award of 2023 National Largest Distributor of Dangote Cement in Nigeria.

Repton Group’s cement distribution subsidiary, Kazab Heritage Limited, won the award at Dangote Cement’s Annual Awards Ceremony in Lagos.

The latest award by Repton Group came on the heels of the previous consistent emergence as the National Second Largest Distributor of Dangote Cement in Nigeria for three consecutive years.

President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who presented the award to Repton Group, commended the conglomerate for its business ethics and steadfastness.

Dangote said the awards were meant to reward customers who had shown exemplary dedication and support to the brand.
Managing Director, Repton Group, Otunba Kazeem Odeyeyiwa, attributed the emergence of the group as the best distributor to persistent determination, operational efficiency, effective teamwork and tenacity.

He expressed appreciation to the entire board of Dangote Group, particularly the management team of Dangote Cement, for offering a veritable business platform for healthy competition and stimulation of peak performance among numerous distributors of Dangote Cement brand.

“We at Repton Group see this highly-coveted award as a great challenge and motivation for better performance as well as enhancement of our operational strategy. Complacency is counterproductive to persistent achievement of impressive organisational results and surpassing of corporate expectations in the midst of massive competition, so we are not going to rest on our oars,” Odeyeyiwa said.

Director, Repton Group, Yeye Otunba Adesola Odeyeyiwa, said the emergence of Kazab Heritage Limited as the largest distributor of Dangote Cement brand in Nigeria has re-affirmed the group’s outstanding leadership in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa as a notable distributor of different brands of cement.

She noted that the group is a well-structured indigenous conglomerate with many subsidiaries in key sectors of the economy including Kazab Heritage Limited, Defrost Ventures Limited, Continental Vision, Kazab Homes and Properties, Ibile Farm and Kazab Oil and Gas.

Chief Executive Officer, Gokmar Communication Consulting, Mr Goke Ilesanmi, said the award was a vindication of the leadership quality at Repton Group.

Read Also: Fed Govt issues N2b savings bonds in 2024’s maiden issuance

“The latest achievement by Repton Group is not surprising, given the fact that the business group is led by a strategic, charismatic and encyclopedic corporate leader,” Ilesanmi said.

He noted that Odeyeyiwa had been honoured by many institutions including the traditional business title of “Babalaje”-successful business man, of Itori Egba Kingdom in practical confirmation of his towering business management acumen.

He added that the Odeyeyiwas were also recently bestowed with the honour of being the first ‘Aare Atayese’ and ‘Yeye Aare Atayese’ of Ifetedo Kingdom, Osun State by Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera in recognition of their persistent support for Ifetedo Community in particular and exemplary passion for service to humanity in general.