FG Seeks Ogun, Ondo Communities' Support for Dangote Industrial City, Deep Seaport Project

FG Seeks Ogun, Ondo Communities' Support for Dangote Industrial City, Deep Seaport Project

The Federal Government has urged host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to fully support the proposed Dangote Industrial City and Deep Seaport project, describing it as a landmark infrastructure initiative expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and accelerate development in the region.

The Federal Government has appealed to host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to give their full backing to the proposed Dangote Industrial City and Deep Seaport project, describing it as a transformative investment capable of boosting economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable community development.

The appeal was made during the combined Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) site visit to Ode-Omi Waterside Community in Ogun State and Araromi Community in Ondo State.

Representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, the Director of Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Rofikat Adebukunola Odetoro, commended Dangote Industries Limited for its commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

She expressed satisfaction with the consultations already carried out with host communities, noting that the project aligns with environmental regulations and the interests of affected residents.

Odetoro urged traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure women and children are actively included in all consultations, stressing that their needs must not be overlooked.

"I urge you to factor women into every engagement. Women and children are as important as every other member of the community and have unique needs that must not be ignored. Please give this project every support possible. It presents enormous opportunities for youths, women and children through employment and the corporate social responsibility initiatives that will accompany it," she said.

Speaking at the Araromi Seaside Kingdom engagement, the Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics, Dangote Industries Limited, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, assured residents of transparency, fairness and continuous engagement throughout the implementation of the project.

He said the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, remains committed to advancing Africa's self-sufficiency through strategic infrastructure investments.

"Our President is committed to positioning Africa for greater self-sufficiency, and Araromi has been selected as the location for one of the world's biggest deep seaports. We are here to listen to the concerns of the community and work together to achieve a win-win outcome for all stakeholders," Abubakar stated.

He added that Dangote had directed the project team to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of host communities and provide critical interventions, irrespective of the project's stage of development.

Also speaking, the Group Lead, Environment and Sustainability at Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Adeyemi Adun, explained that the ESIA was designed to establish the environmental and socio-economic baseline of the host communities before construction begins.

According to him, the assessment covers air quality, water resources, soil conditions and socio-economic indicators in line with Federal Ministry of Environment guidelines.

"This phase of the project is intended to establish the current environmental and socio-economic status of the communities. We also assure residents that the project will have a positive impact, just as Dangote Industries has done in other host communities across Nigeria," he said.

The representative of the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment and Director of the Environmental Assessment Department, Isaac Ojo, described the assessment process as inclusive and beneficial to all stakeholders.

He expressed confidence that the project would deliver significant benefits to host communities and urged residents to support its successful implementation.

The Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, also pledged the community's support, describing Aliko Dangote as "a genius" whose investments would accelerate development in the area.

"We are counting on Aliko Dangote to help develop our kingdom. He is a genius, and we are ready to provide every support necessary to ensure the success of this project. Our community is peaceful, cooperative and committed to progress," the monarch said.

The three-day assessment tour brought together officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment, representatives of the Ogun and Ondo State Ministries of Environment, local government officials, traditional rulers, faith-based leaders, community representatives and officials of Dangote Industries Limited.

Stakeholders also held extensive discussions on their respective responsibilities in ensuring the successful delivery of what is projected to become Africa's largest deep seaport.

Communiqués were signed at the conclusion of the engagements in Ode-Omi and Araromi, while consultants have commenced Environmental and Social Impact Assessment sample surveys at the proposed project site.