The Ogun State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution mandating the management of Dangote Cement Company to provide a comprehensive master plan for its Ibese cement plant, including all associated facilities such as a trailer park and an industrial drainage channel, designed in line with international standards.
The resolution followed the presentation of a report by the joint House Committees on Trade, Commerce and Investment, and Environment, led by Adebisi Oyedele. The report was in response to earlier concerns raised by the Assembly about the environmental and infrastructural impact of the plant’s operations in the Yewa North Local Government Area.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Oyedele stated, “The committee found the company culpable of the allegations levelled against it. The committee observed the lackadaisical approach and nonchalant attitude of the company to the livelihood of the people, having constructed a cement factory for decades without a trailer park and deliberately causing havoc on the host communities, as well as commuters plying the road, among others.”
The committee noted that Dangote Cement’s operations have contributed to environmental degradation and traffic challenges in host communities. Consequently, it recommended that the company immediately submit the Ibese plant’s master plan detailing the infrastructure required to mitigate these issues.
“The Dangote Group must avail the House with the Ibese cement plant master plan, reflecting all its adjuring facilities, including the trailer park and industrial drainage channel, in line with international best practices,” the committee advised.
The Assembly further highlighted the need for Dangote Cement to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, urging the company to proactively address the concerns of the affected communities and prioritise the well-being of residents.