In a significant effort to alleviate the burden of rising food costs on vulnerable households, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the distribution of bags of rice to members of host communities of Dangote Cement Plc across Nigeria.

The initiative forms part of the Foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme aimed at cushioning the effects of prevailing economic challenges on ordinary Nigerians. The distribution exercise, which is being rolled out across communities where Dangote Cement operates in Ibese and Itori, both in Ogun state, underscores the Dangote Group’s commitment to inclusive growth and community wellbeing.

In what has now become an annual event, in which thousands of 10kg bags of rice are being distributed to beneficiaries from 17 host communities in Ibese and 36 others in Itori and Ijebu-Igbo with focus on low-income families, elderly residents, and other vulnerable groups within the host communities.

Speaking on the initiative, ADF Chief Executive, Zouera Youssoufou who was represented by the ADF Head of Operations, Victor Ejiro reaffirmed that the food intervention programme reflects the organization’s long-standing dedication to food security and poverty alleviation, particularly during periods of economic strain.

She said: “This intervention is designed to provide immediate relief to households grappling with high food prices. As a socially responsible organization, we recognize the importance of supporting our host communities beyond business operations,”.

“At the Aliko Dangote Foundation, we recognize the current economic realities facing many Nigerian households. This intervention is aimed at providing immediate relief while reinforcing our long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of our host communities.”

“We understand the difficulties families are facing at this time. This support is our way of standing with our communities and ensuring that no household is left behind during these challenging times. Sustainable development goes beyond business operations. Through this programme, we are strengthening community resilience and contributing to national efforts to improve food access and social stability.”

“This intervention is focused on delivering real, immediate support to vulnerable households. We will continue to expand our reach to ensure more families benefit from this programme.”

At the Ibese distribution centre, The Aboro of Ibeseland, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero thanked the giving spirit of Alhaji Dangote describing the rice distribution as “operation feed the families”.

He stated excitedly: On behalf of our people, I extend our profound gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for this timely and commendable gesture. At a time when many families are facing economic challenges, this distribution of food items will go a long way in alleviating hardship within our communities.

“We appreciate Dangote Group not only as a business partner but as a responsible corporate citizen that continues to demonstrate genuine concern for the wellbeing of its host communities. We pray that this partnership continues to flourish for the benefit of all. Today, our hearts are filled with appreciation. This support has come at a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure, and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families.”

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Some of the community leaders and beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the ADF Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the gesture, noting that the rice distribution comes at a critical time when many families are facing financial pressures due to inflation and rising living costs.

Also at Itori, the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo said his people’s hearts are filled with appreciation. “This support has come at a very critical time for our people. Many households are under pressure, and this intervention will bring relief and hope to families.

“We thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his Foundation for remembering the grassroots and standing by us in times of need. We are deeply grateful for this act of kindness. May the Almighty bless the Dangote Group and increase its capacity to continue doing good for humanity.”

At several distribution points, orderly processes were put in place to ensure transparency and equitable access. Local coordinators, in collaboration with community representatives, supervised the exercise to guarantee that the items reached intended beneficiaries.

The Dangote Cement host communities, spread across key states including Ogun, Kogi, Benue, Edo, and others, have historically benefitted from numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by the Dangote Group, ranging from infrastructure development to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programmes.

The ongoing food intervention aligns with the Foundation’s broader strategy to enhance food access and strengthen social safety nets across Nigeria. It also complements government efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of economic headwinds on citizens.

Industry observers note that such private sector-driven interventions are increasingly crucial in bridging gaps in social welfare delivery, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

The ADF, one of the largest private philanthropic organizations in Africa, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting national development priorities through targeted interventions in health, education, and economic empowerment.

As the rice distribution progresses, the Foundation has reiterated its commitment to expanding the reach of the programme to cover more communities in need, reinforcing its mission to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

Africa’s largest financial institution, Standard Bank Group, has reaffirmed commitment to support the growth of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), pledged backing the planned listing of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, and expressed readiness to finance future expansion projects across the continent.

The commitment came during a strategic visit by Standard Bank Group Chief Executive, Sim Tshabalala, and senior executives to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser complex in Lagos.

Speaking after touring the facilities, Tshabalala described the refinery as a transformational industrial project with far-reaching implications for Nigeria and Africa.

“We are here because the Dangote Group is a large and important global player and a significant force on the African continent,” he said. “Standard Bank is the largest financial institution in Africa and we have partnered with Dangote on a variety of initiatives. We are here to lend support, to see this magnificent refinery and to discuss Vision 2030 and how we can continue supporting the Group’s growth ambitions.”

Tshabalala disclosed that Standard Bank intends to play a leading role in the refinery’s planned Initial Public Offering and future growth initiatives.

“As Dangote lists, there is an IPO coming up and we are a leading player in that process,” he said. “As the Group continues to expand in Nigeria and across Africa, there will be opportunities for financial advisory services and balance sheet support, and we stand ready to provide both.”

He described the refinery as “a wonder of the world,” noting that its impact is already being felt through stronger foreign exchange earnings, improved balance-of-payments performance and enhanced energy security.

“This is a wonder to behold. It is massive, productive and transformative. It is already making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy through its impact on foreign reserves, the balance of payments and the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said the visit represented a significant milestone in a partnership that began during the refinery’s construction phase.

“The bank visited us during construction and understood the scale of what we were building,” Edwin said. “Today, the refinery is fully operational and they can see what their support has helped to create. It is like nurturing a tree and eventually seeing it bear fruit.”

He added that both organisations are exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration as Dangote expands its industrial footprint across Africa.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, said the visit highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships in delivering large-scale industrial projects.

“Standard Bank has been one of our strongest supporters throughout the history of the refinery and the broader Dangote Group,” Bird said.

“This visit was an opportunity to demonstrate what that support has enabled. Seeing is believing, and it allows our partners to appreciate the scale of what has been achieved.”

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The visit also coincided with a major operational milestone for the refinery, which has now exceeded its original design capacity.

Bird disclosed that the refinery recently completed performance test runs at 700,000 barrels per day, above its nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

“We have always believed there was engineering flexibility built into the design,” he said. “Achieving sustained production of 700,000 barrels per day is a testament to the technical capability of our people and the strength of the systems we have built.”

The deadline for submitting technical and commercial bids by prequalified applicants participating in Nigeria’s ongoing 2025 Licensing Round has been set for Friday, June 12, 2026, close of business.

This was disclosed by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in a notice posted on its official X handle on Tuesday.

The Commission urged all qualified bidders to comply strictly with the timelines stipulated in the licensing guidelines.

“The NUPRC hereby notifies the general public that submission of Technical and Commercial Bids by Prequalified Applicants for the 2025 Licensing Round closes on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 16:30 hours (WAT) in line with the 2025 Licensing Round Guidelines,” the notice read.

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The commission advised interested stakeholders to obtain further details through the official licensing round portal.
“For more details, visit the licensing round portal: br2025.nuprc.gov.ng,” it added.

The announcement signals the transition of the exercise to one of its most critical phases, as investors compete for opportunities in Nigeria’s upstream sector amid renewed government efforts to attract capital and boost hydrocarbon production.

The two-stage process, qualification followed by bidding, requires shortlisted firms to lodge final proposals by the stated time.

The 2025 Licensing Round, conducted under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to unlock dormant hydrocarbon assets, deepen exploration activities and improve the country’s reserve base.

The successful completion of the technical and commercial bid stage would pave the way for the eventual award of oil blocks to successful applicants.