By Seyi Odewale
The Federal Government has urged host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to fully embrace the proposed Dangote Industrial City and Deep Seaport project, describing it as a game-changing investment capable of transforming the region’s economic fortunes and positioning Nigeria as a major industrial and maritime hub in Africa.
The appeal came during a three-day Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) site inspection covering the Ode-Omi Waterside Community in Ogun State and Araromi Community in Ondo State, where government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and project promoters reviewed preparations for what is projected to become Africa’s largest deep seaport.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, the Director of Environmental Assessment in the ministry, Mrs Rofikat Adebukunola Odetoro, commended Dangote Industries Limited for complying with statutory environmental procedures and engaging host communities before the commencement of the project.
She described the consultations as critical to ensuring that development proceeds in line with environmental regulations while protecting residents’ interests.
Odetoro urged traditional institutions and community leaders to ensure that women, youths and other vulnerable groups are actively involved in the consultation process, stressing that the project presents enormous opportunities for employment, social infrastructure and sustainable community development.
“Women and children are as important as every other member of the community. Please give this project every support possible. It presents enormous opportunities for youths, women and children to benefit from employment and the mandatory corporate social responsibility initiatives that will accompany it,” she said.
Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics, Dangote Industries Limited, Capt. Jamil Abubakar assured residents that the company would maintain transparency and engage continuously throughout the project’s execution.
He said the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, views strategic infrastructure as essential to Africa’s economic independence and long-term prosperity.
“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,” Abubakar said.
He disclosed that Dangote had directed the project team to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the needs of host communities and begin providing critical interventions even before full project implementation.
Speaking on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Group Lead, Environment and Sustainability at Dangote Industries Limited, Dr Adeyemi Adun, said the study would establish baseline environmental and socio-economic data to guide responsible project execution.
According to him, the assessment covers air quality, water resources, soil conditions, and the socio-economic profile of host communities, in compliance with the Federal Ministry of Environment’s regulations.
He assured residents that the project would deliver significant socio-economic benefits, citing the company’s record of community development in its existing host locations across Nigeria.
The Ondo State Government also endorsed the initiative, with the Director of Environmental Assessment, Isaac Ojo, representing the Commissioner for Environment, describing the assessment process as transparent and inclusive.
He expressed confidence that the project would stimulate economic development in the area and urged residents to cooperate fully with the developers to ensure its successful implementation.
Traditional rulers equally threw their weight behind the project, expressing optimism that it would unlock unprecedented development opportunities for the coastal communities.
The Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, described Aliko Dangote as an exceptional investor whose projects have transformed communities across Africa.
“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,” the monarch said.
The assessment exercise attracted officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment, representatives of the Ogun and Ondo State governments, local government authorities, traditional institutions, community groups, faith-based organisations and officials of Dangote Industries Limited.
At the end of the engagements, stakeholders endorsed communiqués committing themselves to collaboration and peaceful engagement as consultants commenced field surveys for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, paving the way for the implementation of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious industrial and maritime infrastructure projects.
