The Federal Government has appealed to host communities in Ogun and Ondo states to give full support to the proposed Dangote Industrial City and Deep Seaport project, describing it as a landmark investment capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs and transforming host communities.
Speaking during the combined Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) site visit, the representative of the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Rofikat Adebukunola Odetoro, praised Dangote Industries Limited for its commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
The three-day assessment covered Ode-Omi Waterside Community in Ogun State and Araromi Community in Ondo State, where government officials, traditional rulers and residents reviewed the proposed project and its expected impact.
Odetoro, who serves as the Director of Assessment at the Federal Ministry of Environment, said the consultations carried out by Dangote Industries reflected compliance with environmental regulations and demonstrated respect for the interests of host communities.
She urged community leaders to ensure that women and children are actively involved in consultations, stressing that they should benefit from the opportunities the project is expected to create.
“This project presents enormous opportunities for youths, women and children through employment and the corporate social responsibility initiatives that will accompany it. We urge the communities to give it every possible support,” she said.
Managing Director, Infrastructure and Logistics, Dangote Industries Limited, Capt. Jamil Abubakar, assured residents that the company would maintain transparency, fairness and continuous engagement throughout the implementation of the project.
According to him, President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, remains committed to positioning Africa for greater self-sufficiency through strategic infrastructure investments.
He disclosed that the proposed facility in Araromi is expected to become one of the world’s largest deep seaports, adding that Dangote has directed the project team to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of host communities and provide critical interventions regardless of the project’s stage of development.
Presenting the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Group Lead, Environment and Sustainability at Dangote Industries, Dr. Adeyemi Adun, explained that the study was designed to establish the current environmental and socio-economic conditions of the host communities before construction begins.
He said the assessment would evaluate air quality, water resources, soil conditions and socio-economic indicators in line with Federal Ministry of Environment guidelines, assuring residents that the project would deliver lasting economic and social benefits.
Also speaking, the representative of the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment and Director of Environmental Assessment, Isaac Ojo, described the assessment process as transparent and inclusive, expressing confidence that the project would benefit both the communities and the wider economy.
The Alara of Araromi Seaside Kingdom, Oba Adeoloye Olawole, pledged the community’s full support for the project, describing Aliko Dangote as a visionary investor whose investments have contributed significantly to Africa’s development.
The assessment tour brought together officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment, representatives of the Ogun and Ondo State Ministries of Environment, local government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and Dangote Industries officials.
At the end of the engagements in Ode-Omi and Araromi, stakeholders signed communiqués affirming their commitment to supporting the successful delivery of what is projected to become Africa’s largest deep seaport, while consultants commenced field surveys for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
