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Closure of Dangote Cement Factory by Kogi Govt, Shocking, Hasty – NACCIMA, LCCI, ACCI

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3 years ago

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

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President Tinubu Graces Late President Buhari’s Book Launch

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7 hours ago

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December 15, 2025

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The family of the late president Buhari, on 15 December, 2025, launched a book entitled “From Soldier to Stateman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”

The event took place at the presidential villa with dignitaries in attendance include: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aisha Buhari, the wife of the late president Buhari, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the president, Dr. Charles Omole, the Author of the book, Adama Borrow, the president of Gambia, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and many others.

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Speaking at the launch of the biography, Tinubu said Buhari’s legacy of integrity and modesty would continue to inspire Nigerians.

The president described the late president Buhari as a “leader of quiet strength and discipline.”

“President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a reputation for integrity, a spartan lifestyle, and the belief that public office is a trust and not a windfall,” Tinubu said.

He recounted his political journey with Buhari, decorating him as a consistent patriot whose honesty was acknowledged even by critics, adding that their political partnership taught the value of cooperation across differences.

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Prominent Kano Politician Ibrahim Little Sues Danagundi, Ibn Sina Over Hisbah Establishment

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10 hours ago

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December 15, 2025

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A chieftain and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin “Little,” has filed a legal action at the Kano State High Court challenging the establishment of an Independent Hisbah body in the state.

It will be recalled that Little had earlier written to the concerned parties, urging them to suspend the move in the interest of peace and stability in the state. A copy of the letter, addressed to former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also sent to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Baffa Babba Danagundi; Haruna Ibn Sina; and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to his Executive Assistant and Media Aide, Adnan Mukhtar, Little decided to seek legal redress following what he described as the respondents’ persistence and insistence on proceeding with the establishment of the Independent Hisbah.

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“Dissatisfied with their recent actions and continued insistence on moving forward with the establishment process, Little approached the Kano State High Court to seek redress,” Mukhtar said.

Those listed as respondents in the suit include the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Kano State Hisbah Board, Baffa Babba Danagundi, and Haruna Ibn Sina.

In an official statement posted on his Facebook page, Little said:

“I have today instructed my lawyers to file an action challenging the establishment of an Independent Hisbah in Kano State. This follows my recent letter to the parties concerned and their insistence on proceeding with the establishment of the Independent Hisbah.

 

“I believe this move is an attempt to disrupt our peaceful coexistence at a time when the state is facing security challenges.

 

“The peace of Kano State remains our utmost priority.

Kano Sabuwa, In sha Allahu.”

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Commissioning of Kano State Online Media Chapel Marks Historic Milestone in Journalism

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10 hours ago

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December 15, 2025

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By: Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, ANIPR

The commissioning of the Kano State Online Media Chapel at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Council Secretariat marked a defining moment in the history of journalism practice in Kano State. The event reflects the continuous evolution of the media profession in response to digital transformation and modern communication realities.

The ceremony attracted prominent personalities from journalism and government circles, underscoring the importance of online media as a vital component of information dissemination, public enlightenment, and democratic engagement in contemporary society.

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NUJ National President’s Remarks
In his keynote address, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, described the commissioning as a progressive step aligned with global best practices in journalism, where digital platforms now play a central role in shaping public opinion and narratives.

He emphasized that the Online Media Chapel was not established merely for recognition, but to instill discipline, professionalism, and ethical compliance among online journalists operating within Kano State and beyond.

“Journalism remains a noble profession that demands responsibility, truthfulness, and accountability, regardless of whether it is practiced through print, broadcast, or online platforms,” Abdullahi stated. He cautioned against the misuse of digital platforms for misinformation, character assassination, and unverified reports, warning that such practices pose serious threats to societal peace, national security, and the credibility of the profession.

The NUJ President charged members of the Online Media Chapel to see themselves as ambassadors of responsible journalism, committed to accuracy, balance, and fairness in all their reports. He assured that the national body would continue to provide guidance, support, and policy direction to ensure online journalists are fully integrated into the union’s professional framework.

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Kano State Government’s Position
Delivering his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the commissioning as a timely intervention in the state’s information ecosystem.

He noted that the Kano State Government recognizes the influence of online media in shaping public perception and applauded the NUJ for organizing practitioners under a structured and accountable platform.

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The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, FNISE, to sustaining a healthy relationship with the media as partners in governance and development. He urged online journalists to use their platforms to promote peace, unity, and developmental initiatives, stressing that responsible reporting remains a key pillar for social stability and economic growth.

“Freedom of expression must go hand in hand with respect for the law, ethical standards, and cultural values,” Waiya emphasized, assuring the chapel of the ministry’s readiness to engage constructively with practitioners to ensure accurate dissemination of government policies and programs.

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NUJ Kano State Council’s Perspective
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, welcomed guests and described the day as historic for the council and online media practitioners.

He explained that the decision to establish the Online Media Chapel was borne out of the need to accommodate the growing number of journalists operating on digital platforms within Kano State.

Comrade Dederi noted that the chapel would serve as a platform for capacity building, ethical regulation, and collective engagement, aimed at improving the welfare and professional competence of its members. He reiterated the council’s commitment to fostering unity among all chapels under the NUJ umbrella, emphasizing that journalism thrives best in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.

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Online Media Chapel’s Commitment
Speaking on behalf of online media practitioners, the Kano State Chairman of the Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, described the commissioning as a dream fulfilled and a turning point for online journalism in Kano State.

He expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership at both state and national levels for formally recognizing online journalists as critical stakeholders in the media industry.

Comrade Dangambo pledged that members of the chapel would operate with professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility to the public. He emphasized that the chapel would prioritize training, mentorship, and internal regulation to ensure members uphold the ethics of journalism at all times.

He further stressed the collective resolve of members to combat fake news, hate speech, and sensational reporting that could undermine social harmony, calling on online journalists to see the chapel as a platform for unity, self-discipline, and continuous learning in line with global journalism standards.

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Conclusion
The atmosphere of the event reflected shared optimism and commitment by all stakeholders toward strengthening journalism practice in the digital era. Participants expressed confidence that the Online Media Chapel would contribute positively to professional development, public trust, and credible information dissemination.

The establishment of the chapel was widely acknowledged as a proactive response to the challenges and opportunities presented by digital journalism. The commissioning ceremony concluded with a collective call for ethical journalism, unity among practitioners, and sustained engagement in advancing the role of the media in national development.

The Kano State Online Media Chapel now stands as a symbol of progress, professionalism, and adaptation, reflecting the enduring relevance of journalism in a rapidly changing digital world.

 

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