In a strategic effort to enhance support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, Dangote Cement PLC, Obajana Plant has officially handed over a 33 KV public electricity power line and transformer to Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in Kogi State. This initiative is expected to boost the local economy and support SME growth, further establishing Dangote Cement as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial development.
Dangote Cement Powers Jakura Marble Industry with Reliable Electricity
Azad Nawabuddin, Plant Director at Dangote Cement PLC, highlighted the importance of the project during the handover ceremony. He explained that the electrification involved extending high-tension power lines from the Oyo community—spanning over 5 kilometers—to the JMIL facility, where a transformer was installed to step down the electricity supply for operational use.
“The new infrastructure will enable Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) to access reliable public electricity, significantly reducing their energy costs and enhancing their overall production capacity,” Nawabuddin said. “This power solution also creates opportunities for expansion and job creation, as JMIL can now deploy additional machinery and scale operations.”
Commitment to Community and SME Development in Nigeria
Nawabuddin reiterated Dangote Cement’s commitment to supporting SMEs in Nigeria, especially those in host communities. He emphasized that initiatives like this reflect Dangote Cement’s focus on fostering youth development, promoting local enterprises, and creating mutual benefits through strong partnerships. “Our readiness to collaborate on community-beneficial projects underscores our corporate mission of contributing positively to Nigeria’s growth,” he added.
Jakura Marble Industry Ltd Praises Dangote’s Corporate Social Responsibility
Responding to the gesture, Tony Ojile, Managing Director of Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL), expressed gratitude to Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL) and Group President Aliko Dangote for their substantial contributions to the economic development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Ojile commended the Plant Director for his dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, highlighting the impact of the electrification project on their business operations.
“We are truly grateful for the timely delivery of this electrification project. It will significantly reduce our energy costs and help us improve our production efficiency,” Ojile said.
Site Visit and Facility Inspection by Dangote Cement and JMIL Teams
Following the handover ceremony, management teams from Dangote Cement Plc and Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) conducted a comprehensive site visit. The visit involved reviewing the newly installed high-tension power lines and exchanging official handover documents at the transformer location. During this visit, Nawabuddin also inspected JMIL’s facilities to gain a deeper understanding of their operations and explore further opportunities for collaboration.
Dangote Cement: Leading SME Support in Nigeria
This recent project aligns with Dangote Cement’s broader mission of contributing to
SME development in Nigeria through targeted investments in infrastructure, energy supply, and community support. By providing critical infrastructure like electricity, Dangote Cement PLC helps drive growth for local industries such as Jakura Marble Industry Ltd, empowering them to improve productivity, reduce costs, and expand their workforce.
