News
Closure of Dangote Cement Factory by Kogi Govt, Shocking, Hasty – NACCIMA, LCCI, ACCI
Organised Private Sector (OPS) operators under the aegis of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have berated the Kogi State government over the closure of Dangote Cement, Obajana Plant, describing the action as being hasty.
This is just as Lagos and Abuja branches of the Chamber in separate statements described the action of the state governor, Yahaya Bello as “shocking and disappointing” at the least, regretting that for every day the factory is shut, millions of naira are lost and the reputation of Kogi state takes a negative hit.
NACCIMA expressed regret that the issues between the company and the state over tax dispute ought not to have led to sealing of the company but should have been resolved in a conciliatory and amicable atmosphere.
The body, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Olusola Obadimu and issued in Lagos, said the state government should have trodden a path of caution and called for the immediate reopening of the factory for normal production activities to resume.
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Obadimu stated that NACCIMA’s position was based on some key considerations bordering on the impact of the factory’s closure on the economy and thousands of people whose means of livelihood depend on the production activities of the factory.
“It is vital to note that it is a huge production plant that supplies key domestic input (cement) into the economy and employs hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, directly and indirectly. This is aside from its substantial budget for corporate social responsibility outside of taxes.
“Shutting off the factory does not necessarily help the controversial issue of compliance on tax remittable to Kogi state government. Rather a continuous operation of the plant would more likely facilitate a faster resolution of the dispute,” he said.
The NACCIMA boss then urged that the factory be reopened as quickly as possible to enable it continue its operation and fulfil its necessary responsibilities, not just on tax obligations, but also keep the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in its direct and indirect employment dutifully engaged; while sustaining its crucial services not just to the people and government of Kogi State but Nigeria in general.
The LCCI, in its statement signed by its Director General, Dr Chinyere Almona said the attack on the cement factory reflected the poor handling of investment protection issues in the country.
The Chamber said it believed there are more decent ways to handle regulatory and legislative matters concerning businesses in Nigeria than resorting to violence. According to the Chamber, the invasion of the Dangote Cement Factory by youths that led to the shooting of factory workers is unfortunate, ill-construed, and avoidable.
“We advocate a win-win situation for businesses and the government. We will therefore call on all parties to exercise caution and be protective of jobs, assets of production, and government revenues from corporate organisations like Dangote Cement Factory”, she added.
The LCCI boss noted that the Federal Government and Kogi State Government had hitherto benefited from business revenues and social investments, and added that, “It is therefore expected that the government would be interested in creating an enabling business environment that can attract both local and foreign investors. And where there are infractions, handling such should be in accordance with best practices and the rule of law that protect investors’ rights and human lives.”
The body, therefore, called for a meeting of all government agencies connected with the acquisition of the cement plant to resolve any differences thereof. This process, it said, “can be taken without necessarily shutting down the factory and endangering jobs, products, and government revenues. This point is critical as wrong handling or unprofessional approaches to resolutions can send negative signals to potential foreign investors.”
The Chamber noted that the growing mining industry in Kogi State has benefitted from the production activities of the Dangote Cement Factory, which offers both infrastructural and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to enhance the standard of living in the State.
“We see a role for the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Nigeria Investment Protection Commission (NIPC), and the Kogi State Government in resolving this issue. We, therefore, expect to see a swift intervention by these agencies toward a win-win resolution”, LCCI advised.
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a statement signed by its Director General, Ms. Victoria Akai urged the state government to employ dialogue in resolving whatever differences it has with the cement company so as to protect the image of the state as an investment destination.
She said both the state governor and the owner of Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote are men of peace who should resolve any business dispute through consensus without jeopardizing the multi-billion naira investment and thousands of jobs of Kogi indigenes.
“We therefore call for the immediate re-opening of the factory and commencement of alternative dispute resolution. Dangote Cement is a company with commendable sustainability records. The company has blazed the trail within Nigeria and across Africa.
“Nothing should therefore be done to truncate the growing business at a time other African countries are opening their doors wide for Dangote investment. The factory has been able to take many out off the street thereby reducing unemployment that has been a major problem in the country.
“The closure of the factory will further increase unemployment. It is in the best interest of Kogi state to reopen the factory so as not to scare away local and foreign investors”, the statement noted.
News
Fombina Imprints Marks World Book Day with Symposium at KHAIRUN
To mark the 2025 World Book Day declared by UNESCO, Kano-based publishing outfit Fombina Imprints Limited is organizing an event themed “Crisis of Standards, Decline of Reading Culture, and the Challenges of Publishing in the Digital Era.”
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2025, will take place at Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN) , Kano, and will begin at 10:00 a.m.
The celebration will include a symposium, two panel discussions, a book exhibition, and a book gifting session.
According to the organizers, the activities aim to encourage reading habits among youths, foster discussions around the role of books in education, and examine current issues in the publishing industry.
Speaking ahead of the event, Buhari Abba, the Public Relations Manager of Fombina Imprints, said the occasion is not just to celebrate books but also to raise awareness.
“This event is a wake-up call to confront the shrinking reading culture among young people, the threats to educational quality, and the survival of publishing in a digital world,” he stated.
The symposium will be chaired by Professor Lukman I. Diso of Bayero University’s Department of Library and Information Sciences. Scholars and experts expected to speak include Professor Asabe Sadiya Mohammed, Provost of Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, and Dr. Mohammed Aminu Aliyu from the Department of Economics at BUK.
Two panel sessions will offer space for further engagement. The first, chaired by Dr. Bilkisu Yusuf Ali of Al-Qalam University, will examine “The Challenges of Publishing in the 21st Century” with panelists such as Ado Ahmed Gidan Dabino, Kabiru Musa Jammaje, and Khalid Imam.
The second panel, chaired by Professor Murtala Muhammad of Northwest University, will address “The Challenges of Reading Culture Among Youths.”
Speakers will include journalist Ismail Auwal, poet and creative director Nasiba Babale, HumAngle reporter Aliyu Dahiru, and Sadiya Lawal Danyaro, a lecturer from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma.
Fombina Imprints will also donate books to selected schools, including Government Girls Secondary School, Shekara, and Usman International School, Gandu, Kano.
“Books are not just tools for learning; they are instruments of transformation. We believe in investing in young minds, and this book donation is part of our little way to support education in our community,” Buhari Abba added.
The 2025 World Book Day celebration by Fombina Imprints aims to bring together authors, publishers, scholars, students, and readers to reflect on the role of books in a rapidly changing world.
News
Hajiya A Hanga Elected Chairperson of CARAV, Pledges Renewed Fight Against Rape and Violence
.By Our Correspondent.
Hajiya Amina Hanga, the Executive Director of Isa Wali Empowerment Initiatives, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Coalition Against Rape and Violence (CARAV).
CARAV is a collaboration of key stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental organizations united in their fight against rape and violence through various strategic initiatives.
Other persons also elected to various positions include: Aisha Abubakar as vice chairperson, Abbas Ibrahim as Secretary, Mustapha Gambo Muhammad as Assistant Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad as Treasurer, and Dayyabu Abdulqadir Waziri as Financial Secretary.
These individuals will steer the activities of the Coalition for the next two years.
In her speech, the newly elected chairperson of CARAV emphasized the need for members’ cooperation and commitment to eradicating rape and violence.
She highlighted that the harmful practice requires collective efforts to combat the action
“We come together today not merely to remember why we began this journey, but to rekindle the fire that drives us. We are here to revive something that should never have gone quiet—a coalition united against rape, sexual violence, and all forms of abuse.
The convener also added,” We are here to re-energize our efforts, realign our strategies, and recommit to our shared mission of ending violence and creating safe spaces for survivors and communities. Rape and violence continue to cast dark shadows over too many communities, leaving survivors in pain and societies grappling with the consequences. In the face of these challenges, CARAV used to stand as a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination.”
She pointed out that the reactivition meeting marks a pivotal moment. “We are here to reignite our purpose, strengthen our unity, and chart a renewed path forward.
According to her, CARAV has the power to amplify the voices of survivors, to push for systemic change, and to cultivate a culture where dignity, respect, and safety are not privileges, but rights afforded to every individual.
In her remarks, Justice Maryam Ahmad Sabo, a founding member of the Coalition, highlighted the need for the prevention of such occurrences.
The Jurist, stressed the need for sensitization and strong collaboration among stakeholders as the way forward to combat the menace
Speaking as a founding father, Professor Muhammad Tabi’u, SAN, explained that the establishment of CARAV was a direct response to a 2011 rape case involving some law enforcement officers.
The legal luminary stated, “The case attracted a public outcry until the culprits were brought to book by the court of law.” This event, Professor Tabi’u emphasized, highlighted a serious concern about the rampant occurrence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
According to him, from its inception, the Coalition adopted tactical strategies, incorporating both CSOs, Government Agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Professor Tabi’u charged new leadership to be committed and review constitution of Coalition and refine strategies to address the prevalent of rape occurrance.
News
Petition:VP Summons NAHCON Chair, Board Members
Vice President Kashim Shettima has summoned the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman and board members of the commission for a meeting today at the Vice President’s Conference Room.
A letter of invitation sighted by Daily Trust, and signed by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, revealed that the meeting slated for today was to brief the Vice President on preparation for the 2055 Hajj and outstanding issues.
It could be recalled that the chairman and the non-executive board members of the commission have been having issues on lack of inclusion in some decisions made by the chairman for the preparation of the 2025 Hajj.
This culminated into a petition to the Vice President who warned the chairman to stop running the affairs of the commission as a sole administrator.
Why Governor Abba Yusuf deserves more recognitions for leadership resilience
Fombina Imprints Marks World Book Day with Symposium at KHAIRUN
Hajiya A Hanga Elected Chairperson of CARAV, Pledges Renewed Fight Against Rape and Violence
Petition:VP Summons NAHCON Chair, Board Members
Benue Attacks: Death Toll Rises to 72 as More Bodies Are Recovered
Why Governor Abba Yusuf deserves more recognitions for leadership resilience
Fombina Imprints Marks World Book Day with Symposium at KHAIRUN
Hajiya A Hanga Elected Chairperson of CARAV, Pledges Renewed Fight Against Rape and Violence
Petition:VP Summons NAHCON Chair, Board Members
Benue Attacks: Death Toll Rises to 72 as More Bodies Are Recovered
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