By ebosele@hotmail.com –
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 transformative investment that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and accelerate development in the affected communities.
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 by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Rofikat Adebukunola Odetoro, Director of Assessment at the ministry, commended Dangote Industries Limited for its commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive stakeholder engagement throughout the planning process.
Speaking during the three-day assessment tour, Odetoro expressed satisfaction with the consultations already conducted with stakeholders, noting that the project was being developed in line with environmental regulations while taking into account the interests of host communities.
She stressed the importance of inclusive participation, urging traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure that women and children are actively involved in consultations.
“I urge you to factor women into every engagement. Women and children are as important as every other member of the community and they have unique needs that must not be ignored,” she said.
According to her, the project offers enormous opportunities for employment, community development and corporate social responsibility initiatives that will directly benefit youths, women and vulnerable groups.
Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics at Dangote Industries Limited, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, assured residents of transparency, fairness and continuous engagement throughout the implementation of the project.
He said President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, remains committed to promoting Africa’s self-sufficiency through strategic infrastructure investments, adding that the proposed deep seaport would rank among the largest in the world.
“Our President is committed to positioning Africa for greater self-sufficiency, and Araromi has been chosen as the location where one of the world’s biggest deep seaports will be built. We are here to listen to the community’s concerns and work together to achieve a win-win outcome for every stakeholder involved,” Abubakar said.
He also disclosed that Dangote had directed the project team to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment of the host communities and provide critical interventions regardless of the project’s stage of development.
Presenting the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Group Lead, Environment and Sustainability at Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Adeyemi Adun, explained that the study would establish the environmental and socio-economic baseline of the project area before construction begins.
According to him, the assessment will evaluate air quality, water resources, soil conditions and the socio-economic status of residents in line with Federal Ministry of Environment guidelines.
He assured stakeholders that the project would have a positive impact on host communities, citing Dangote Industries’ track record of community development across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the representative of the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment and Director of Environmental Assessment, Isaac Ojo, welcomed the commencement of the ESIA process, describing it as inclusive and beneficial to all stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that the project would bring significant benefits to the communities and encouraged residents to support its successful implementation.
The Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, also endorsed the project, describing Aliko Dangote as “a genius” whose investments would accelerate the development of the kingdom.
He said the community was peaceful, cooperative and ready to provide the necessary support to ensure the project’s success.
The 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, religious leaders, community representatives and officials of Dangote Industries Limited.
At the end of the engagements in Ode-Omi and Araromi, stakeholders signed communiqués outlining their commitments towards the successful delivery of the project, which is projected to become Africa’s largest deep seaport. Consultants have also commenced field surveys as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process.
