Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), the lawmaker representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, has strongly criticised Dangote Cement over the poor living conditions in its host communities, demanding urgent action to address long-standing issues including a three-year power outage, water scarcity, environmental hazards, and rising insecurity.
The call came during a high-level visit to the Dangote Cement Plant in Ibese, Ogun State as detailed in a statement issued by Isiaka’s Media Aide, Femi Peters.
Leading a delegation of stakeholders and community leaders, Isiaka pressed Dangote Cement to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible improvements for Ibese and neighbouring areas.
The communities, he noted, have endured severe socio-economic challenges, worsened by a prolonged blackout.
Accompanying Isiaka were his Senior Legislative Aide, Razaq Oduntan; the Supervisor for Works in Yewa North Local Government, Hon. Azeez Orisasanmi (representing the Council Chairman); community leader Hon. Olugbenga Afolabi; and councillors representing Ibese, Imasayi, and Eggua wards.
During the meeting, Isiaka highlighted urgent community needs, including:
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Restoration of electricity following a three-year blackout;
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Reliable water supply after previous failed attempts;
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Mitigation of environmental risks caused by raw material blasting;
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Immediate action to tackle escalating security threats;
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Completion of a trailer park to ease congestion;
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Greater employment opportunities for local residents.
Responding to the concerns, Dangote Cement’s Plant Manager, Roy Uttam, and Deputy General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Ojolowo, outlined the company’s planned interventions:
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Electricity Restoration: All materials for reconnection have been procured, with power expected to be restored within four to six weeks, in coordination with the IBEDC and community leaders.
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Water Infrastructure: A new water supply strategy is being implemented, involving boreholes at higher elevations with piped distribution to lower-lying areas.
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Environmental Protection: An independent firm has been engaged to conduct a comprehensive Blast Impact Assessment to inform corrective measures.
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Security Measures: Relocation of markets and shanties near the plant is being pursued in partnership with local authorities to curb crime.
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Trailer Park Development: Construction has commenced on the first phase of a major trailer park to ease road blockages.
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Local Employment: Approximately 5,000 local residents are reportedly employed across the Dangote Group’s operations, with additional empowerment programmes underway.
While welcoming the commitments, Isiaka stressed the need for strict adherence to timelines and called for a transparent feedback mechanism to monitor progress.
“We can no longer accept promises without delivery. Our people have endured enough hardship, and it is time for visible, measurable change,” Isiaka said, pledging to maintain constant engagement until the communities’ needs are fully met.
