The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended Dangote Cement Plc for its significant role in elevating Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, urging other manufacturers to emulate the company’s dedication to best practices and operational excellence.
The commendation followed the successful completion of the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification Audit by Dangote Cement’s Obajana Plant in Kogi State. The audit was conducted by expert auditors from SON.
The comprehensive IMS Certification Audit, which comprised Stages 1 and 2, assessed the plant’s compliance with quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards. The process lasted over a week and was carried out by seasoned auditors from the agency.
Leading the SON audit team, Mrs. Ijeoma Nkechi Ohaemesi praised Dangote Cement for its outstanding contributions to industrial growth and commended its management for maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence. According to her, the audit process was aimed at fostering deeper alignment with global Management System Standards.
“Dangote Cement’s continuous drive for improvement across all operational processes sets a benchmark for quality and innovation within the industry,” she said.
Speaking on the certification, ISO System Coordinator for Dangote Group, Sani Mikail, explained that the establishment of ISO Management Systems across all Dangote Cement plants was approved by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, under the guidance of the Group Vice-President (Oil & Gas), Mr. Devakumar Edwin.
He added that the implementation and sustenance of the ISO Management System since 2010 have created value-added opportunities across processes and systems within the company’s plants.
Obajana Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, a strong advocate of the system, noted that the IMS has brought immense benefits to the company, particularly in facilitating the continual improvement of its processes.
Also speaking, Company Representative, Kommineni Suresh, described the feat as a landmark achievement, noting that Obajana has set the pace in the industry. “DCP Obajana is one of the first cement factories in Nigeria to attain IMS certification,” he said.
The Obajana Plant’s IMS Team Lead, Akindele Temitope, attributed the success to management’s commitment and the dedication of staff. “This was only possible through teamwork and leadership support,” she stated, adding that the certification would further strengthen compliance, quality, safety, and communication within the plant.
“With this milestone, DCP Obajana reaffirms its position as an industry leader committed to excellence, sustainability, and global best practices,” Temitope declared.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the federal government agency responsible for setting and enforcing quality standards for products and services in the country.
