Edo Govt, Dangote cement strengthen partnership to drive economic growth
The Edo Government and Dangote Cement have agreed to deepen collaboration to address operational challenges and unlock new investment opportunities during a high-level meeting at the company’s Okpella plant on Wednesday.
Led by Mr Amen Odigie, Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), the state delegation pledged stronger support and improved business environment to boost industrial activity, job creation, and infrastructure development.
“ESIPO is committed to being a proactive partner in your continued success.
“This visit is an opportunity for us to listen, understand your operations, and identify ways we can support further expansion,” Odigie said.
The ESIPO boss pledged to organise town hall meetings to improve company-community dialogue.
He, however, encouraged Dangote cement to invest in training of local youths for leadership roles.
Mr Mohammed Ismaeel, an engineer and Director, Dangote Cement’s Plant raised pressing concerns, including the poor condition of a 7.5 kilometre access road.
He also bemoaned the rising security threats in the area, notably a kidnapping incident involving 10 employees.
Ismaeel urged the state government ‘s intervention in road repairs and enhanced security coordination.
The company director also proposed converting granite waste from limestone mining into road and housing materials through investor partnerships, a move he said was expected to create jobs and generate revenue.
Ismaeel called for state support in locating new limestone reserves to sustain long-term operations.
He emphasised the plant’s full tax compliance, suggesting competitive tax benchmarking with neighbouring states.
The meeting also involved discussions of community relations, youth employment, and local leadership development.
The director highlighted the robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of the company, including scholarships, security support, rural road construction, and plans for a health facility in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health.
With over 1,000 workers currently employed, he said, the Okpella plant has self-generated power from two 30 megawatts units, reflecting its operational independence.
