Dangote Cement and Benue Communities Sign Historic Development Pact, Promising Long-Term Transformation

The momentous signing was witnessed by His Royal Highness, Ter Gboko, Gabriel Shosum, who declared the pact the fulfillment of the communities’ long-held aspirations. The monarch expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, for his unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of the host communities. He called on local leaders to continue promoting peace and harmony to ensure the success of the partnership.

Representing the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mrs. Bimbo Sariat Olawoye congratulated all stakeholders involved and urged collective efforts for the successful implementation of the agreement.

Hon. Elias T. Yina, Executive Chairman of Gboko Local Government, described the CDA as an unprecedented step in Dangote Cement’s 40-year history, emphasizing its potential to create far-reaching benefits for both the local government and the wider state.

Louis K. Raj, Plant Director of Dangote Cement in Gboko, credited the successful CDA to the collaborative support from the Benue State government, Gboko Local Government, community leaders, and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, as well as other key stakeholders. Raj noted that this partnership marks the beginning of tangible progress in sectors such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment for youths, women’s groups, and farmers. Additionally, the agreement promises better access to clean water, improved electrification, and enhanced power supply for the host communities.

The CDA also includes provisions for scholarship grants, which will benefit indigent students from the host communities, enabling them to pursue secondary and tertiary education with a focus on academic excellence.

Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement, described the signing as historic, noting that it would facilitate the rollout of several key development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and education in the host communities over the next five years.

In his speech, Prince Yandev Amaabai, President General of the Jemgbash Development Association, called for peace and unity among the communities. He praised Dangote for providing jobs and now offering further support through this agreement. “We must support the company and maintain peace,” he urged.

Everonmenral Sustainability experts have offered diverse perspectives on Dangote Cement’s agreement with Benue communities. The experts stressed out that while some have lauded the pact as a progressive move for sustainable development and community engagement, emphasizing its potential to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, others have raised concerns. These critics worry about the environmental consequences of the company’s operations and question the long-term sustainability of the arrangement.

They further suggest that the company must enforce stricter environmental controls and ensure fair compensation for any environmental damage caused by mining activities. Ultimately, the reactions remain divided, and ongoing monitoring of the agreement’s implementation and its impacts on both the communities and the environment is crucial.

The communities of Tse-kucha (Mbatyula), Quarry, Amua (Mbakper), Mbazembe, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers have all signed onto the agreement, which promises a brighter and more sustainable future for the region. This partnership marks not only a moment of celebration but a step toward lasting social and economic change.