The Ogun State House of Assembly has intensified scrutiny on Dangote Cement Company, summoning its management to present the master plan for its Ibese plant in Yewa North Local Government Area.
The move comes amidst allegations of environmental degradation and neglect of host communities.
The resolution, passed on Tuesday, followed the presentation of a report by the joint House Committees on Trade, Commerce and Investment, and Environment, chaired by Adebisi Oyedele.
Oyedele, while presenting the report, stated, “The committee found the company culpable of the allegations leveled against it. For decades, Dangote Cement has operated without essential facilities like a trailer park, causing untold hardship to the host communities and commuters alike. The company’s lackadaisical approach to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations is evident.”
The Assembly had earlier directed the company to address issues stemming from its operations, including environmental degradation, indiscriminate parking, and disruption to livelihoods.
However, the report indicated that Dangote Cement had not adequately responded to these concerns.
Among the committee’s recommendations was the immediate submission of the plant’s master plan, which must include details of associated infrastructure, such as a trailer park and industrial drainage systems, in line with international standards.
“The Dangote Group must avail the House with the Ibese cement plant master plan, reflecting all its adjoining facilities, including the trailer park and industrial drainage channel,” the report emphasized.
The Assembly also urged Dangote Cement to take a more proactive approach to fulfilling its CSR obligations to the affected communities.
Lawmakers stressed that the company’s operations had adversely impacted the environment and the lives of residents, and called for urgent measures to mitigate these effects.
The management of Dangote Cement has yet to publicly respond to the Assembly’s resolution.
