Edo, Dangote parley on ease of doing business

The Edo State Government and Dangote Cement Company Plc have held a partnership parley on the best way to improve the ease of doing business and smooth operations of the company in the state.

The parley was attended by the management of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) led by Amen Odigie, managing director of the agency, and that of the Dangote Cement Company led by Mohammed Ismaeel, Plant director of the company.

A statement by Abdul-Kadir Abdullah, head of communications/Team Lead, Investment Promotion and Global Outreach Department, said that the

meeting was held at the Dangote Cement Company’s premises in Okpella, Edo State.

Amen Odigie was quoted as saying that the meeting was in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision for the economic development of the state.

Odigie opined those discussions centered on strengthening collaboration, addressing key operational challenges, and exploring opportunities for sustainable development that are inhibiting the ease of doing business in the state and within the South-South region.

He also emphasized the government’s commitment to providing robust aftercare services to existing businesses like Dangote Cement.

The ESIPO boss, who underscored the critical role of Dangote Cement Company in the state’s economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development, added that Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, was focused on creating a conducive and enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“We recognise that your journey as a major industrial player comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. ESIPO is committed to being a proactive partner in your continued success.

“This visit is not just a formality, it’s an opportunity for us to listen, to understand your current operations, to identify any areas where we can provide support, and to explore potential avenues for further collaboration and expansion.

“Edo State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, is focused on creating a conducive and enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“This includes streamlining processes, ensuring security, and investing in infrastructure that supports industrial growth. We want to ensure that Dangote Cement continues to find Edo State a welcoming and profitable base for its operations,” he said.

Odigie, however, advocated a strategic plan to identify and develop local talent for future leadership roles within the company as part of efforts to create opportunities for local youths in the host communities.

In his remarks, Mohammed Ismaeel, the Plant Director of the Cement company, highlighted both the successes and the hurdles faced by the company.

The primary concern raised by the plant director was the poor state of the 7.5-kilometer road infrastructure connecting the plant to the main road.

Ismaeel posited that the state of the 7.5-kilometer road has negatively impacted the logistics of the establishment.

He also listed insecurity as another critical issue militating against the development of the company, particularly referring to a past kidnapping incident when 10 of the staff were abducted.

He, however, called for enhanced security in collaboration with both the local and state governments.

Ismaeel, who affirmed the company’s full compliance with tax obligations, however, suggested benchmarking tax rates with neighboring states to enhance employee well-being.

On pricing, he explained that the cost of cement is significantly influenced by the import of 95% of spare parts and the dollar-based pricing of gas.

He noted that the direct price comparisons with other countries are often misleading due to the aforementioned factors.

The plant director, who also acknowledged challenges with some local workers, however, called on the state government to help organise town hall meetings in a bid to foster better communication and mutual understanding between the company and the community.