Dangote Cement Plc has received commendation from the Federal Government for the successful delivery of multi-million-naira social intervention projects in its Gboko host communities in Benue State.
The recognition was made during the formal inauguration of these projects on January 8, 2026, by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.
According to the Minister, Dangote Cement has demonstrated exemplary compliance with its statutory obligations under the Community Development Agreement (CDA) framework, a legal mechanism designed to ensure that mining companies reinvest a portion of their profits into host communities.
The interventions, which include water infrastructure, expanded scholarship schemes, and vocational skills programmes, are part of a broader federal policy aimed at promoting sustainable economic development in Nigeria’s mineral-rich regions.
CDA Compliance and Infrastructure Delivery
The recently completed projects represent the culmination of a five-year Community Development Agreement between Dangote Cement, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and six host communities, including Mbayion, Mbatur, and Pass Brothers.
A significant focus of the 2025/2026 cycle was addressing the region’s chronic potable water shortage.
Dr. Johnson Kor, Head of Social Performance at the Dangote Cement Gboko Plant, disclosed that the newly commissioned water infrastructure includes both motorized and solar-powered boreholes strategically installed across the Pass Brother, Mbaakpoghol-Mbatyu, Mbaswa-Mbatser, and Agboghol-Amua communities.
These areas have historically faced water access challenges despite their proximity to the River Benue. Additionally, the company is implementing electricity projects aimed at integrating these rural communities into the state power grid, providing reliable energy access and supporting local economic activities.
Human Capital Development and Economic Empowerment
Beyond infrastructure, Dangote Cement has intensified investments in human capital. The company increased its scholarship fund to ₦28,800,000 for the 2025/2026 academic session—a threefold increase compared to previous allocations—ensuring equitable access across all six host communities.
Under the supervision of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dangote Cement also graduated a new cohort of participants from its Youth Skill Development Programme. Graduates received certification and starter kits to immediately apply their vocational skills, promoting self-reliance and local economic engagement.
Other social initiatives currently underway include:
- Women Empowerment Programme: Supporting 150 women with skills training and startup resources.
- Farmers Empowerment Programme: Enhancing agricultural productivity for 50 local farmers.
- Youth Empowerment Programme: Focused vocational training for 30 young people, preparing them for income-generating activities.
Regulatory Context and Sectoral Impact
The commendation coincides with the Federal Government’s efforts to standardize social reinvestment in the mining sector. In December 2025, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development mandated that all licensed mining and quarrying firms finalize their CDAs or face license revocation.
While over 2,400 mineral titles have been issued since 2023, a significant number of companies had not completed formal agreements by late 2025.
By achieving full compliance and delivering tangible community projects, Dangote Cement sets a benchmark for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The government has also called on host communities to take ownership of these initiatives, ensuring their sustainability and impact. Such partnerships are viewed as critical in mitigating the so-called “resource curse” while promoting peaceful coexistence in mining regions.
