Dangote Cement Lifts SMEs In Nigeria

Scaling up its support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, has handed over a 33 KV public electricity power line and transformer to Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in Kogi State.Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr Azad Nawabuddin, said the project involved extending high-tension power lines from Oyo community, over 5 km, to JMIL’s facility, where the power was stepped down through an installed transformer.Mr. Nawabuddin said: “The new infrastructure will enable JMIL to access reliable public electricity, thereby reducing operational energy costs and enhancing production capacity of JMIL. It also provides opportunities for future expansion and job creation, as JMIL can now deploy additional machinery and equipment.”He reiterated Dangote Cement's commitment to supporting not only JMIL but Nigerians particularly within the host community for youth development and small & medium scale enterprise in Nigeria.The Plant Director emphasized the mutual benefits of strong partnerships, expressing the company’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that benefit both parties and contribute positively to the community.In his response, Managing Director of JMIL, Engr. Tony Ojile, expressed gratitude to Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL) and to the Group President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, saying the company has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.He commended the Plant Director for his commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility schemes, expressing his company’s appreciation to the timely delivery of the electrification project.Following the handover, the management teams of Dangote Cement Plc and Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) conducted a site visit to review the high-tension lines and exchanged official handover documents at the transformer location.Mr. Nawabuddin also inspected JMIL’s facilities, to further understand the company's operations.