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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.
The House of Representatives has extended the implementation period of the capital component of Nigeria’s 2025 budget from September 30 to December 31, 2026, citing economic difficulties and challenges affecting the execution of capital projects.
The decision was taken on Tuesday during plenary after Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion seeking an amendment to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) Act, 2025.
Ihonvbere told lawmakers that several factors affecting the Nigerian economy had made it difficult to conclude the implementation of the capital component before the existing September 30 deadline.
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He said the extension was necessary to ensure that incomplete implementation would not be attributed simply to the expiration of the deadline previously approved by the National Assembly.
The House subsequently fast-tracked the bill through first, second and third readings before approving the extension.
The Senate also passed the measure, allowing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) additional time to complete capital projects for which funds had already been appropriated and released.
Why the projects remain unfinished
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele gave further details on the factors affecting implementation, pointing to procurement, contract execution, mobilisation, certification of completed works and payment processes.
According to Bamidele, these stages can affect the ability of MDAs to complete projects within the existing budget implementation timeframe.
He said the extension was intended to protect ongoing public investments, facilitate the completion of critical projects and prevent the waste of public resources already appropriated and released.
The latest decision therefore gives government agencies another three months to complete eligible projects and utilise funds already provided for the 2025 capital programme.
Fourth extension of 2025 capital budget
Tuesday’s decision marks the fourth extension of the implementation deadline for the 2025 capital budget.
The National Assembly first moved the deadline from December 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
It subsequently extended the deadline to June 30 and later to September 30.
The latest extension now moves the deadline to December 31, 2026.
The repeated extensions have kept portions of previous capital allocations in the implementation cycle while the government works through outstanding projects and obligations.
Earlier in June, lawmakers had cited procurement timelines, project implementation challenges and administrative processes as reasons for extending the capital budget deadline to September.
Previous budget pressures
The issue has also been linked to the backlog of capital projects from previous budget years.
A recent analysis reported that about ₦16.8 trillion in capital expenditure from the 2024 and 2025 budgets had been rolled into the 2026 fiscal year, with funding constraints and delays in releases contributing to the backlog.
The report said the 2026 capital budget was partly structured to address outstanding obligations from previous years.
President Bola Tinubu had also acknowledged in his 2026 budget speech that the implementation of the 2025 budget faced competing execution demands and the transition between budget years.
He disclosed that only ₦3.10 trillion, representing about 17.7 per cent of the 2025 capital budget, had been released as of the third quarter of 2025, while priority was given to completing 2024 capital projects.
The new December 31 deadline is therefore expected to provide additional time for MDAs to complete projects already at various stages of execution.
The House adjourned plenary until October 13, 2026, after considering the budget extension.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court in Kenya has directed that the construction of the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu County be placed on hold until further hearing.
The development came after some farmers and local inhabitants of Chandavai, an area in Lamu County, opposed the move, citing cases of “forceful eviction” and the destruction of their properties.
According to a Bloomberg report on Monday, Judge Jane Onyango ordered that “the status quo prevailing” be maintained.
The report noted that the court will provide further directions on the case on October 14, according to the order, which was issued on September 25 but made public on Monday.
A lawyer representing the petitioners, George Wakahiu, told Bloomberg that the ruling means no construction of the project should begin until the court meets on October 14.
The Dangote refinery project entails “forceful eviction of the plaintiffs from their lands, damage and destruction of their properties and yet there is no resettlement plan for them,” according to the petitioners. Dangote and the Kenyan authorities have yet to comply with the nation’s environmental code that requires “a mandatory environmental impact assessment be done before the implementation of any major project,” they said.
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The refinery also fails to comply with Kenya’s constitution, “which requires that the necessary public participation” be conducted, according to the court filings, the report stated.
However, in a report by Reuters on Tuesday, the business conglomerate of Africa’s richest man, Dangote Group, said in a statement that the court was yet to stop the refinery’s groundbreaking ceremony.
It noted that activities at the proposed refinery site would be affected pending the October 14 court hearing.
“The court has not halted the groundbreaking ceremony of the refinery at this stage. However, activities at the site may be affected by the ruling, as both parties are required not to carry out activities until the case is heard on 14th October,” the statement read.
The PUNCH reports that Kenyan President William Ruto said his government was fast-tracking administrative processes for the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu. This is as Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, said the planned facility would be bigger than the existing Nigerian plant.
Ruto spoke on Friday during a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, ahead of the September 30 groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu, Kenya.
The Kenyan President said his government had already secured the land for the project and is working on other requirements to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure that construction and subsequent operations are not delayed.
He described the proposed refinery as a regional project that would expand industrial activities in East Africa, create employment opportunities and improve the technical skills of the region’s workforce.
Courtesy – The PUNCH
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has honoured 14 of its retired employees for their contributions to the growth and development of local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The retirees were honoured at a celebration dinner held on Sunday at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event also provided an opportunity for former management staff of the board to reflect on the challenges surrounding the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, and the progress recorded since its enactment.
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Speaking at the ceremony, a former Director of Legal Services, Mohammed Umar, said the implementation of the Act was initially met with resistance from major players in the oil and gas industry.
Umar said the board had to deploy tact and sustained engagement to convince industry operators of the benefits of complying with the local content law.
“Local content was new in the oil and gas sector. Companies were hardly cooperative, and tact was required to create understanding and compliance with the provisions of the Act,” he said.
He noted that local content had grown from about five per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent, describing the development as a major achievement.
“Local content has come to stay. Many other African countries now come to Nigeria to learn the secret of the country’s success,” Umar stated.
He urged serving employees of the board to remain committed and give their best to sustain the progress recorded in local content development.
Another retiree, Daziba Obah, who served as pioneer Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and later as Acting Executive Secretary of NCDMB, recalled the challenges encountered during the construction of the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower.
Obah also spoke about the early challenges of funding research and development projects, noting that the board eventually demonstrated its capacity by successfully organising its maiden Research and Development Fair and Conference in Lagos in 2017.
Similarly, a former Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Isaac Yalah, described NCDMB as an institution that provides staff with the tools and training required to excel.
He said the $350m Nigerian Content Intervention Fund had significantly boosted the participation of indigenous companies in the oil and gas sector.
“The Nigerian Content Intervention Fund was a game changer with regard to indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry,” Yalah said.
He added that several Nigerian service companies accessed the fund at single-digit interest rates to acquire assets and expand their operations.
Yalah urged serving staff to continue learning and remain focused on taking the board to greater heights.
Also speaking, former General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Dr Ginah Ginah, described his years at NCDMB as “very exciting times.”
Ginah said the board’s training programmes contributed significantly to staff development, while its establishment of Information and Communication Technology centres helped promote digital awareness among young people in oil-producing communities.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Esueme Kikile, said the event was organised to honour men and women who had dedicated significant portions of their professional lives to the service of the board.
Kikile said the retirees contributed not only through their official responsibilities but also by mentoring colleagues, sharing knowledge and building institutional relationships.
He said, “Their contributions extended beyond the duties associated with their respective positions, as they shared knowledge, built relationships, mentored colleagues and contributed to the institutional experience that continues to shape the Board today.”
Kikile, on behalf of the management and staff of NCDMB, wished the retirees good health, peace, happiness and fulfilment in their retirement.
The ceremony also featured testimonials from serving staff who had worked closely with the retirees, including former technical assistants.
The speakers recalled the mentorship, professional guidance and support they received from the retirees during their years of service.
The event ended with a dance session by the retirees and a cultural performance, providing an opportunity for former and serving staff to interact in a relaxed atmosphere.
Other retirees honoured included Dr Ama Ikuru, Adelana Akintunde, Dr Obinna Ofili, Angela Okoro, Taridouye Gagariga, Ombu Atonbara, Okpetu Gabriel and Peter Isu Odo.
Courtesy – The PUNCH
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