The Kogi State House of Assembly has started a partnership with the Dangote Cement plant in Obajana to enhance the economic growth of the state.
The eight current Assembly members announced this during a familiarization visit to the cement plant’s management by the House Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Public Partnership.
Led by Committee Chairman and member representing Yagba East, Hon. Emmanuel Obaro, he emphasized that the Assembly is fulfilling its oversight functions and seeking the management’s cooperation to address the needs of the people of Kogi State.
“We are honourable members representing the interest of the masses. All we are clamouring for is to maintain a robust relationship with Dangote Cement plant that will enhance a friendly economic environment for the interest of Kogites.
“Dangote is a household name in Africa and the world in general. We believe that having a harmonious relationship will go a long way in moving our State forward”he stated.
Hon. Obaro, however, commended the management of Dangote Cement plant Obajana for the palliatives given to the State during Covid-19, and when the State was ravaged by flooding, stressing that, the house remain committed towards fostering an enabling business environment in the State.
In his remarks, the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin asserted that the lawmakers were not in the company to witch hunt them, but rather cement a better relationship in the State.
He averred that the lawmakers are worried about the skyrocketed prices of cement in the State adding that the management should endeavor to look into it for the interest of Kogites.
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According to him, “We are hearing that the prices of cement in some State is cheaper than what we have in Kogi State despite it is being produced here. The management should look into this urgently”
Throwing more light on the task reform of the present administration, the member representing Lokoja I, Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani urged the company to have a critical look at the task reform which will be of immense benefits to Nigerians.
Responding, the Chief General Manager (operation) Dangote Cement plant Obajana Gwong John Maren thanked the Lawmakers for identifying with the company, assuring them that their doors are open for better collaboration to move Kogi State.
He appealed to the Lawmakers to look into some of their operational challenges such as security, and road infrastructure.
Moren added that the company has continued to partner with the government in respect to health and sanitation, adding that, there is much opportunity when Kogi State establish Skills acquisition centre to develop the Youth and reduce crime in the Country.
“This will go a long way in reducing the issues of vandalization we are witnessing today. Some of our equipment are being vandalized. If the Youths have skills, this will reduce crime in Kogi State”, he said.
On the price of cement, he said “Our cost of production is on a high scale. It is not deliberate to increase the price of Cement. The cost of production has forced us to that level. We are using gas because we are buying them per dollar rate. The whole operation is dependent on forex that is why we are seeking for collaboration with the government to reduce the cost of production”.
While urging the present administration to establish Hydro power plant, Maren called for the sustenance of Dangote Cement plant through effective collaboration between the Government and the company.
Also speaking, Deputy Head of Finance, Olaposi Olaniran noted that the company is always prompt in the payment of tax stressing that, the organization will continue to cooperate with the government for effective service delivery in Kogi State.
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