Abayomi Susan
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 the initiative as a major investment that will drive economic growth, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable community development.
The appeal was made during a combined Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) site visit to the project locations, where stakeholders assessed the potential environmental and socio-economic impact of the development.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, Mrs. Rofikat Adebukunola Odetoro, Director of Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment, commended Dangote Industries Limited for its commitment to environmental responsibility, stakeholder engagement and inclusive development.
Speaking during the three-day assessment exercise across Ode-Omi Waterside Community in Ogun State and Araromi Community in Ondo State, Odetoro expressed satisfaction with the level of consultations carried out with residents and stakeholders, noting that the process would ensure the project aligns with regulatory requirements and the interests of host communities.
She stressed the importance of inclusive participation, urging community leaders to ensure that women and children are actively considered during engagements.
According to her, the project presents significant opportunities for youths, women and children through employment opportunities and corporate social responsibility programmes that will accompany the development.
“Women and children are as important as every other member of the community and they have unique needs that must not be ignored. I encourage you to give this project every possible support because it presents enormous opportunities for the entire community,” she said.
Speaking during the engagement at Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics, Dangote Industries Limited, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, assured residents of transparency, fairness and continuous consultation throughout the implementation of the project.
Abubakar said President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, remains committed to positioning Africa towards greater self-sufficiency through strategic infrastructure investments.
He noted that the selection of Araromi as the location for one of the world’s largest deep seaports reflects the company’s confidence in the potential of the region and its commitment to creating lasting economic opportunities.
“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 concerns of the community and work together to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for all stakeholders,” he said.
Abubakar further disclosed that Aliko Dangote had directed the project team to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of the host communities and identify areas where support could be provided, irrespective of the current stage of the project.
Presenting the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report, Group Lead, Environment and Sustainability, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Adeyemi Adun, explained that the study was designed to establish the existing environmental and socio-economic conditions of the communities before project commencement.
He said the assessment would examine key areas including air quality, water resources, soil conditions and the socio-economic wellbeing of residents, in accordance with the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Adun assured stakeholders that the project would deliver positive impacts to the host communities, similar to the company’s interventions in other locations across the country.
Also speaking, the representative of the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment and Director of Environmental Assessment Department, Isaac Ojo, welcomed the commencement of the assessment process, describing it as comprehensive and inclusive.
Ojo encouraged residents and stakeholders to continue supporting the project, expressing confidence that the development would bring significant benefits to the communities and the wider region.
The Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, also expressed support for the initiative, describing Aliko Dangote as a visionary investor whose projects have contributed significantly to development across Africa.
The monarch said the community was ready to provide the necessary cooperation to ensure the success of the project, noting that the development would contribute to the growth and transformation of the kingdom.
“We are counting on Aliko Dangote to help develop our kingdom. He is a genius, and we are ready to provide every support necessary for the success of this project,” the traditional ruler said.
The assessment tour brought together officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment, representatives of Ogun and Ondo state governments, local government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, faith-based organisations and representatives of Dangote Industries Limited.
Stakeholders discussed their respective roles in ensuring the successful delivery of the project, which is expected to become one of Africa’s largest deep seaport developments.
At the conclusion of the engagements, stakeholders signed communiqués outlining their commitments at Ode-Omi and Araromi communities, while consultants commenced sample surveys at the project sites as part of the ongoing ESIA process.
