In a significant move to support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc’s Obajana Plant has handed over a 33 KV public electricity power line and transformer to Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in Kogi State. The initiative aims to reduce operational costs and enhance JMIL’s productivity, further empowering the local economy.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin explained that the project involved extending high-tension power lines from the Oyo community over a distance of five kilometres to JMIL’s facility. The power was then stepped down through a newly installed transformer to provide reliable electricity for JMIL’s operations.
“The new infrastructure will allow JMIL to access consistent public electricity, cutting down on energy costs and boosting production capacity. With this, JMIL can expand its operations, add more machinery, and create job opportunities,” said Nawabuddin.
He reiterated Dangote Cement’s commitment to supporting SMEs, particularly those in host communities, emphasizing the company’s dedication to youth development and enterprise growth in Nigeria. Nawabuddin also highlighted the mutual benefits of strong partnerships and expressed Dangote Cement’s willingness to engage in future collaborations that uplift local businesses and positively impact the community.
In response, Engr. Tony Ojile, Managing Director of JMIL, expressed deep gratitude to Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL) and the Group President, Aliko Dangote, for their continuous contributions to Nigeria’s development. He specifically praised the timely completion of the electrification project, which he described as a testament to Dangote’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Ojile also commended the leadership at the Obajana Plant for their unwavering support, stating, “This project will help us scale up our operations, improve production efficiency, and drive further growth.”
Following the official handover, management teams from both Dangote Cement and Jakura Marble Industry Ltd conducted a site visit to inspect the high-tension lines and reviewed the newly installed transformer. Engr. Nawabuddin also toured JMIL’s facilities to gain a deeper understanding of their operations, reaffirming Dangote Cement’s continued partnership and support for the company’s growth.
This latest development further highlights Dangote Cement’s role in empowering SMEs, reinforcing the company’s broader vision of driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
