Business
Farmers’ Empowerment: Dangote Cement Ibese Boosts Food Security Free Farming Inputs
The Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant has reinforced its commitment to food security and Sustainable Community development with the roll-out of its 2026 annual farmers’ empowerment initiative, providing free agricultural inputs and capacity-building training to farmers drawn from its 17 host communities.
The programme, which has become a cornerstone of the company’s social investment strategy, saw beneficiaries receive modern farming inputs alongside technical training aimed at improving crop yield, productivity, and income across the agricultural value chain with each of the 60 farmers receiving Three bags of 50kg NPK fertilizer; Two bags of Urea fertilizer; One Knapsack sprayer and Ten litres of Force-Up herbicide.
Welcoming the guests and beneficiaries, the Plant Director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu emphasized that the programme was designed not only to support local farmers but to build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem within the company’s host communities. He noted that the intervention aligns with Dangote Cement’s broader corporate social responsibility priorities, which include empowerment, education, health, and infrastructure development.
He said the programme was meant to provide Dangote Cement’s support to “men and women whose labour sustains our food systems and contributes immensely to the well-being of our communities, and the society at large therefore aligns with the yearnings of Government. Your presence despite the public holiday reflects your commitment to agricultural development and the prosperity of our communities.
“At Dangote Cement, we understand that while we manufacture cement for the construction of homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure, true development is ultimately about people. It is about creating opportunities, improving livelihoods, and enabling communities to thrive. This philosophy remains at the heart of our operations and our relationship with our host communities.
“This marks the fifth consecutive edition of our Farmers Empowerment Programme at Ibese Plant. It represents five years of consistent engagement, meaningful investment, and a shared commitment to improving livelihoods across our host communities. The initiative has evolved into one of the most impactful interventions under our community development efforts.
“To date, 300 farmers across our host communities have benefited from training, farm inputs, and agricultural tools. Together, the beneficiaries have cultivated more than 800 acres of farmland and produced over 40,000 tons of agricultural output. These figures tell an important story, representing families whose livelihoods have improved, children whose educational needs have been supported, businesses that have grown, and communities that have become more resilient. They demonstrate what can be achieved when communities and corporate organizations work together toward a common goal.
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According to him, the free distribution of farming inputs, including fertilizers, herbicides, and other essential tools, is a deliberate effort to reduce the burden on farmers and equip them with the resources needed for modern agricultural practices. “We provide modern farm inputs to support our farmers to enhance productivity and achieve better yields. This is not just about distribution; it is about enabling a shift to more efficient and sustainable farming methods that will ultimately boost food production and livelihoods,” he said.
He further explained that the training component of the programme is critical in ensuring that beneficiaries maximize the value of the inputs provided. Participants were taken through practical sessions on good agricultural practices, including crop protection and pest management techniques, equipping them with knowledge to mitigate farming risks and improve output.
The event also featured remarks by representatives of the host communities, who commended Dangote Cement for its consistent investment in grassroots development. Speaking on behalf of the communities, a representative described the programme as a “game changer” that has not only boosted food production but also strengthened the relationship between the company and its host communities.
In their responses, beneficiaries of the programme expressed profound appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful, especially in the face of rising input costs and climate-related farming challenges.
One of the farmers, Mr. Akanbi Moses from Aga-Olowo Community noted that the provision of free inputs and training has significantly improved their productivity and income levels, enabling them to scale their farming activities. Another beneficiary highlighted how the training sessions have enhanced their understanding of modern farming techniques, resulting in better crop management and reduced post-harvest losses.
Also speaking, Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, who was represented at the event by Hon. Segun Ableto, lauded the initiative, describing it as a model of effective public-private partnership in driving rural development. The representative commended Dangote Cement for complementing government efforts in boosting agricultural production and enhancing food security within the region.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs and knowledge acquired, stressing that the success of the programme ultimately depends on their commitment to applying the training in their farming activities.
Chairman, Communities Joint Consultative Committee, Comrade Dayo Ogunyinka expressed the appreciation of the people to the management of Dangote Cement for sustaining the initiative, which has become a major support system for farmers across our communities, saying “This programme has continued to improve the lives of our people. It has strengthened our farmers’ capacity and deepened the relationship between Dangote Cement and our communities.”
Industry observers have noted that Dangote Cement’s farmers’ empowerment initiative has consistently contributed to stimulating local economies, creating opportunities for farmers, and strengthening food systems in host communities.
The programme forms part of Dangote Cement’s Community Development Agreement (CDA), which underscores its commitment to fostering socio-economic development and maintaining harmonious relationships with its host communities through targeted and impactful interventions.
Over the years, the Ibese Plant has continued to roll out various empowerment initiatives for different segments of the population, including youths, women, and artisans, reinforcing its philosophy that host communities remain key partners in progress.
Africa’s first fully integrated 2-inch to 48-inch steel pipe induction bending and coating plant is poised to open in Nigeria before end of 2027.
The project completion timeline was disclosed by the Managing Director of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, Chidi Nzerem, during a tour of the Steel Pipe Induction Bending and Coating Facility at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne Port, Rivers State by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Ogbe.
Ogbe lauded the firm on the significant progress recorded on the project, describing it as a landmark industrial project and a major demonstration of Nigeria’s growing status as a leading hub for oil and gas logistics, engineering, and manufacturing services.
The Brentex Facility is a $50 million investment being developed to provide integrated steel pipe induction bending, heat treatment, testing, and coating services for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and has attracted over $26 million in investments to date.
Ogbe, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders to deepen in-country capacity, promote industrialisation, and expand the scope of Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry.
He praised Brentex Petroleum Services Limited for its bold investment, resilience, and commitment to developing indigenous capacity, noting that the company’s steady progress on the facility reflected the growing confidence of Nigerian firms in delivering world-class oil and gas infrastructure and engineering solutions.
The Executive Secretary, represented by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate (MED), Esueme Dan Kikile, noted that the emergence of the Brentex Steel Pipe Induction Bending and Coating Facility represents “a direct and tangible response to the quest for in-country capacity in specialised pipeline engineering services,” adding that the project would advance “our collective goal of retaining value, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading energy services hub in Africa.”
In a recollection of the beginnings of the company and the project, he disclosed, “We’ve been on this journey with Brentex for over a decade. Today, we’ve seen what you are doing on ground. And that’s actually the whole idea about the equipment component manufacturing initiative of the NCDMB – in-country value addition – and you have been steadfast.”
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The NCDMB boss urged the Management of Brentex to sustain the momentum on the project and maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence, noting that the facility has the potential to become a flagship Nigerian Content asset and a reference point for specialised pipeline engineering services across Africa.
“I’d like to express the Board’s deep appreciation for your investment in our country, and to assure you that you have our support,” he declared, adding, “Whatever we can also do to get the industry to patronise this investment, we’ll do that, because it’s very important that the industry take advantage of what we have in-country.”
In his opening remarks, Nzerem thanked the Executive Secretary and the NCDMB delegation for the visit, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the project and its contribution to the growth of in-country capacity.
He also acknowledged the Board’s support and partnership over the past 10 years, noting that the sustained interventions had been instrumental to the facility’s progress, adding that it was conceived to advance the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.
Nzerem expressed high hopes that the Board’s support would be sustained.
Responding to an inquiry by the General Manager, Downstream, Project Certification and Authorisation Division (PCAD), Tassalla Tersurgh, on the facility’s contribution to human capital development, the Managing Director said the company would engage NCDMB after facility certification to develop training programmes aligned with the Board’s mandate.
He disclosed that the facility is expected to engage about 200 engineers and other technical personnel, creating employment, technical training, skills transfer and capacity-building opportunities, with the long-term goal of the facility being 100 percent handled and operated by trained Nigerians.
On the strategic importance of the facility, the Project Manager at Brentex, Patrick Anaje, stated that the facility, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, is expected to transform pipeline engineering services by providing the country’s first fully integrated in-country solution for steel pipe induction bending and coating.
He disclosed that Brentex is currently engaged in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Natural Gas Pipeline project, where the company’s new capabilities would be of immense value.
He noted that with an estimated 95 percent of steel pipes currently imported, the facility will enable operators to source specialised pipe induction bending, coating and pipe repair services locally, significantly reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and overseas repairs, shortening project delivery timelines, lowering procurement-related delays and costs, and improving operational efficiency across the oil and gas industry. He added that the project will also deliver significant benefits to the national economy by retaining industry value within Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by top management officials of NCDMB, executives of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, industry stakeholders, project consultants, contractors, representatives of the host communities of Onne and Ogu, members of the Community Liaison Committee (CLC), and members of the media, who witnessed firsthand the significant progress recorded on the strategic Nigerian Content project.
As part of efforts to strengthen the regional distribution network of its 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery and strengthen presence in Africa, the Dangote Group is considering a petroleum products storage terminal in Cameroon.
To this end, the Dangote Group, through its Vice President for Oil, Gas and Fertiliser, Devakumar Edwin, on Tuesday, tabled a proposal before Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute.
From details of the proposal vented by a local media outlet, Business in Cameroon, the planned facility would help build Cameroon’s strategic petroleum reserves, improve fuel supply security and potentially include a pipeline network for transporting refined products, which would reduce logistics costs and the environmental impact associated with road haulage.
However, the project is still at its preliminary stages as no agreement has been announced by the parties.
The Dangote Group has yet to disclose the proposed location of the terminal, its storage capacity, investment value or implementation timeline.
It has also not stated whether the facility would be wholly owned, developed in partnership with the Cameroonian government or executed under a public-private partnership arrangement.
If realised, the project would provide a major export outlet for petroleum products from the Dangote refinery in Lekki, Lagos, which was built to meet domestic demand while supplying regional markets across Africa.
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According to reports, the proposed terminal would also position the company to serve not only the Cameroonian market but also landlocked Central African countries, including Chad and the Central African Republic, which rely heavily on Cameroonian ports for fuel imports.
By positioning petroleum inventories closer to end-users, the company is expected to reduce delivery times, lower distribution costs and improve the efficiency of fuel supply across the region.
For Cameroon, the investment could strengthen fuel supply security and diversify petroleum product sources, provided the project aligns with the country’s pricing framework, taxation policies and strategic reserve requirements.
It was learnt that the proposal comes as Cameroon intensifies efforts to expand its petroleum storage capacity through major infrastructure projects in the port city of Kribi.
The country’s National Petroleum Storage Company is currently developing a petroleum terminal with a planned storage capacity of 230,000 cubic metres for refined products, including petrol, diesel and kerosene, alongside facilities capable of storing 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas.
The project is expected to almost double Cameroon’s existing liquid fuel storage capacity of about 245,500 cubic metres.
A second terminal is also being developed by CSTAR Tank Farm Project Management, a consortium owned by Ariana Energy, Tradex and Cameroon’s National Hydrocarbons Corporation.
The CSTAR project is expected to provide between 250,000 and 300,000 cubic metres of storage for diesel, petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene and heavy fuel oil at an estimated cost of CFA168bn.
Combined, the two projects are projected to add at least 480,000 cubic metres of liquid fuel storage capacity to the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
It was said that Dangote’s proposed facility could either complement the government’s ongoing investments or compete with them for access to port infrastructure, financing, pipeline networks and petroleum product volumes.
Cameroon’s petroleum storage business is currently dominated by the National Petroleum Storage Company, which manages the country’s fuel storage facilities, nationwide distribution network and strategic petroleum reserves.
If approved, the Dangote project would mark the group’s entry into Cameroon’s downstream petroleum sector, adding to its existing presence in the country through its cement manufacturing operations in Douala.
The proposal is the latest indication of the group’s ambition to establish a broader regional fuel distribution network anchored on its Lekki refinery, which has increasingly expanded exports to African and international markets.
Forty-five young Nigerian graduates have started a 12-month Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC-HCD) Training Programme for technical competencies identified as critical for value retention and increased indigenous participation across the oil and gas industry value chain.
Organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited and Tombas Resources Nigeria Limited, the programme is geared towards provision of Automated Crude Oil Storage Tanks Upgrade and Repair Services, and is designed to have the trainees adequately grounded in process control technologies, industrial instrumentation and maintenance practices, as well as automation systems, among other competencies.
In a keynote address at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, HCD, Alexis Emelle, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigerian talent and a demonstration of the Board’s commitment to building indigenous capacity in line with its mandate.
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He noted that beyond technical skills, the programme would inculcate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and a strong culture of safety in the trainees, who are expected to maximise the opportunity and emerge as competent professionals capable of contributing to growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He admonished the trainees to demonstrate commitment, discipline, and a willingness to learn throughout the programme, pointing out that their selection was a reflection of the confidence that the NCDMB, Chevron Nigeria Limited, and Tombas Resources, along with the training partners, have in their potential.
In separate remarks, representatives of Chevron and Tombas congratulated the trainees on their successful selection, while urging them to take their training seriously and be focused and dedicated throughout the duration of the programme.
In an overview of the training scope, a representative of Dexterous Applied Training Institute explained that participants would be exposed to Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Introduction to Electrical and Industrial Instrumentation Maintenance, and Introduction to Oil and Gas Operations, in addition to the aforesaid competencies, for which they would receive globally recognised industry certifications. The NC-HCD training programme constitutes part of NCDMB’s broader human capital development strategy aimed at creating a new generation of highly skilled Nigerians capable of supporting the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry
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