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WCO Hails Nigeria’s Time Release Study as Catalyst for Faster, Safer Trade

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WCO Hails Nigeria’s Time Release Study as Catalyst for Faster, Safer Trade

The World Customs Organisation, WCO, has described Nigeria’s Time Release Study, TRS, as a practical, evidence-based reform capable of improving border efficiency, strengthening safety and boosting trade competitiveness across Africa’s trade corridors.

The WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Saunders, made the remark on Monday, January 26, 2026, during the presentation of the TRS Report at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. He said the study provides Nigeria with “specific and objective insights” into how its border clearance processes function and where targeted improvements are required.

According to Saunders, the TRS, implemented with the support of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, goes beyond policy formulation by translating reform objectives into measurable operational outcomes.

“The findings of this study provide Nigeria with a clear opportunity to deliver equally clear improvements that will strengthen both the economy and the safety of the country,” he said.

He noted that the Time Release Study is one of the WCO’s core performance measurement tools, widely used by Customs administrations globally to enhance transparency, predictability and efficiency without compromising security.

Saunders stressed that while Customs plays a central role in trade facilitation, successful implementation of TRS recommendations requires collective action involving government agencies, the private sector and the wider trading community.

“Trade facilitation is not achieved by policy alone. It is realised through consistent, efficient and sound practices. The Time Release Study shows what is working, what is not, and where leadership and investment are required,” he added.

In a keynote address, the Minister of State for Finance, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the TRS aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to data-driven reforms aimed at improving trade efficiency and reducing transaction costs across Nigeria’s ports and borders.

She described the study as a strategic policy instrument that enables governments to objectively measure performance, identify bottlenecks and strengthen transparency within the trade ecosystem.

“The Time Release Study is not merely a diagnostic exercise; it is a reform tool that supports smarter regulation, evidence-based decision-making and improved coordination across border agencies,” the minister said.

Uzoka-Anite noted that efficient clearance processes are critical to investor confidence and economic growth, adding that global trade competitiveness is increasingly defined by speed, certainty and compliance. She assured stakeholders of the Federal Government’s continued support for reforms that modernise border management, strengthen institutional capacity and promote inter-agency collaboration.

Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for taking the lead in addressing systemic bottlenecks and strengthening trade facilitation processes, describing the initiative as a reflection of the government’s resolve to improve efficiency across the trade ecosystem.

In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service is institutionalising the Time Release Study as part of its broader reform agenda to enhance cargo clearance efficiency and service delivery.

Adeniyi explained that the study provides credible data on cargo dwell time, enabling Customs and partner agencies to identify procedural overlaps, eliminate delays and streamline clearance processes.

“The Time Release Study allows us to move from assumptions to facts. It tells us exactly where time is lost and where reforms must be focused to achieve measurable improvements,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict compliance and security standards, noting that faster clearance must go hand in hand with effective controls.

Similarly, a representative of the United Kingdom High Commission to Nigeria commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive adoption of WCO trade facilitation tools, particularly the TRS, which is supported through an initiative of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Providing insights from the report, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Mrs. Dera Nnadi, said the findings of the study will guide operational adjustments, policy refinement and infrastructure planning as Customs works with stakeholders to deliver a more predictable, efficient and competitive trade environment.

SIFAX Marine Targets Asset-Led Growth, Expands Fleet for Oil and Gas Market in 2026

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SIFAX Marine Targets Asset-Led Growth, Expands Fleet for Oil and Gas Market in 2026

SIFAX Marine Services Limited has unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy for 2026 aimed at driving asset-led growth and strengthening its position in Nigeria’s offshore and oil and gas marine services market.

The company said the new strategy represents a shift from revenue growth driven largely by rate increases to a more sustainable and scalable model anchored on vessel ownership and fleet expansion.

Speaking on the plan, Afolabi Olayinka, Executive Director of SIFAX Marine, said the company’s recent performance highlighted the need for deliberate investment in owned marine assets to achieve long-term growth.

“Our experience over the past year has made one thing very clear: sustainable and exponential growth will only come from deliberate investment in marine assets that we own and control. While rate adjustments supported revenue performance in the last financial year, the future of SIFAX Marine lies in building a strong owned fleet that gives us capacity, resilience, and long-term competitive advantage,” Olayinka said.

As part of the expansion drive, SIFAX Marine plans to acquire additional sea-going barges, creek vessels, and offshore support vessels. The planned acquisitions are expected to significantly increase operational capacity, deepen market reach, and unlock access to higher-value contracts, particularly within the oil and gas sector.

The company noted that expanding its owned fleet would allow it to retain more value within the business while providing clients with greater consistency, responsiveness, and certainty in service delivery.

A key pillar of the 2026 strategy is stronger participation in oil and gas projects. To achieve this, SIFAX Marine intends to invest in vessel types that meet higher regulatory classifications, enabling the company to compete more effectively on industry tender platforms and improve its prequalification standing with major operators.

According to Olayinka, the focus goes beyond growth to operational readiness.

“Asset expansion is not just about growth; it is about readiness. Our focus is to ensure that SIFAX Marine is properly equipped to respond swiftly to market demand, especially in offshore support and oil and gas marine services where capacity, compliance, and reliability are critical,” he said.

The company said the strategy positions SIFAX Marine for long-term competitiveness while supporting Nigeria’s expanding offshore and energy-related maritime activities.

Lagos Police Recover 25 Stolen Vehicles, Arrest 21 One-Chance Suspects in Two Months

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Lagos Police Recover 25 Stolen Vehicles, Arrest 21 One-Chance Suspects in Two Months

The Lagos State Police Command has recorded major operational successes between December 2025 and January 2026, arresting dozens of suspects, dismantling criminal syndicates, and recovering stolen vehicles, firearms, and counterfeit currencies across the state.

The Commissioner of Police disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing on the Command’s operational achievements, attributing the successes to intelligence-led policing, targeted raids, sustained surveillance, and swift tactical responses.

According to the police, a total of 25 vehicles were recovered during the period under review. The vehicles were variously reported stolen, fraudulently converted, unlawfully removed from motor parks, or smuggled. Several suspects were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery, conspiracy, car-snatching, assault occasioning harm, and threats to life.

The Command also recovered illegal firearms and dangerous weapons, including four locally fabricated dane guns, thirteen cut-to-size pistols, nine live cartridges, and one expended cartridge, as well as fetish charms and other incriminating items. In addition, bundles of suspected counterfeit foreign and Nigerian currencies were seized during multiple operations.

A major breakthrough recorded in January 2026 was the arrest of 21 members of a notorious “one-chance” kidnapping and robbery syndicate operating in the Idimu area of Alimosho Local Government Area.

Police said the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence. Items recovered from them included three vehicles, two Toyota Corolla cars and one Toyota Camry, fetish charms, 21 bundles of suspected fake US dollars, and 12 bundles of suspected fake Euros.

The Command noted that the operation significantly disrupted the activities of the criminal gang, which had been linked to violent crimes and coordinated attacks in different parts of Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Command also announced the arrest of a suspect connected to a bomb threat circulated on January 21, targeting three schools, two in Ikeja and one in the Ogombo area.

The threat caused panic among parents and residents. Police said swift intelligence gathering and digital forensic investigations led to the arrest of one suspect.

Although the suspect claimed his phone had been lost before the threat was issued, investigations revealed that the same mobile line was actively used to communicate with family members during and after the period the messages were sent, contradicting his claim.

The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The police summarised the achievements within the two-month period as follows: Vehicles recovered: 25, Firearms recovered: 17, Fake currency: 34 bundles of suspected foreign currencies, Other items: Fetish charms and dangerous weapons.

The Command added that investigations are ongoing to identify accomplices, trace interstate and cross-border criminal links, verify ownership of recovered vehicles, and determine the source of the counterfeit currencies.

The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that efforts would continue to strengthen public safety across the state.

ASIS 2026 Sets New Benchmark for Policy Impact

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ASIS 2026 Sets New Benchmark for Policy Impact

The Africa Social Impact Summit, ASIS 2026 is set to redefine policy-driven development in Nigeria convegence of a High-Level Policy Engagement on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

This is being powered by Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the United Nations System and key partners.

The high-level engagement will bring together over 200 senior leaders, including top government officials, chief executives, development partners, investors, civil society actors, and members of the diplomatic community, to advance results-driven partnerships focused on inclusive growth, foundational learning, women and youth empowerment, and national development delivery.

Co-hosted by the Office of the Vice President and Sterling One Foundation, the engagement will serve as a national platform to translate continental commitments into concrete country-level action, aligning policy reform, private sector mobilisation, and development finance around Nigeria’s most urgent priorities.

These include education, jobs, skills development, financial inclusion, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and institutional strengthening.

Themed “Scaling Action – Driving Inclusive Growth through Policy and Innovation,” the convening comes at a critical moment, with only five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is designed to accelerate implementation by unlocking innovative and blended financing solutions and driving policy reforms across key sectors.

Now in its fifth year, ASIS has emerged as a leading private sector–led continental platform, co-convened by Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations, mobilising public-private collaboration to address Africa’s most pressing social and economic challenges.

The 2026 engagement builds on this legacy by focusing squarely on translating past ASIS communiqués into actionable national policies and financing frameworks.

A major highlight of the engagement will be the launch of flagship, policy-backed initiatives, including the Business Coalition for Education (BCE) and the Nigeria Foundational Learning Fund, aimed at accelerating literacy and numeracy while tackling the country’s out-of-school children challenge.

Also to be launched is Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) Nigeria, the country’s flagship platform for advancing women and youth empowerment through compact-based delivery, co-investment frameworks, and performance accountability. The platform serves as Nigeria’s implementation arm of the African Union WYFEI Programme.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima said Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on effective collaboration across sectors.

“Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on how effectively we mobilise the private sector, development partners, and public institutions around shared national priorities. This engagement marks a critical step toward delivery-driven partnerships that unlock the full potential of our women and youth, strengthen human capital, and accelerate inclusive growth,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, described the engagement as a turning point.

“ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement represents a pivotal shift from conversation to national execution. By deliberately aligning policy, innovation, and financing, we are catalysing a framework that enables solutions to scale, delivering real impact for millions of Nigerians while positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s sustainable growth agenda,” she said.

The event will also feature the adoption of the WYFEI Nigeria Declaration, a national statement of intent to be endorsed by government leaders, CEOs, and development partners, committing to coordinated action to unlock Nigeria’s women and youth dividend.

Anchored within the UN SDG Stimulus Framework and aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement reinforces Nigeria’s leadership in translating continental and global commitments into measurable national outcomes focused on inclusive growth, shared prosperity, and long-term resilience.

The engagement forms part of the post–Africa Social Impact Summit national action series, designed to move beyond dialogue to systems reform, capital mobilisation, and measurable impact across Africa’s largest economy.

JCI Festac Town Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment, Unveils 2026 BOLD Vision

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JCI Festac Town Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment, Unveils 2026 BOLD Vision

Junior Chambers International, JCI Festac Town has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and community transformation, outlining a renewed vision for 2026 focused on grooming young people into active and responsible citizens.

Speaking during a radio programme themed “Empowering Youths and Enriching Communities – The JCI Solution,” the 2026 President of JCI Festac Town, JCI Ambassador Richard Igwe, described the organisation as a global leadership platform dedicated to developing young people between the ages of 18 and 40.

Igwe explained that JCI operates at global, national and local levels as Junior Chambers International, JCI Nigeria and JCI Festac Town respectively, with extensions into tertiary institutions through collegiate chapters.

He noted that the organisation has also introduced the JCI Junior Club for secondary school students in Festac Town to nurture leadership and civic responsibility from an early age.

According to him, JCI’s mission is centred on leadership development, active citizenship and community impact, noting that the organisation provides young people with opportunities to grow personally and professionally while contributing meaningfully to society.

Also speaking on the programme, the 2026 Vice President of JCI Festac Town, JCI Ambassador Princewill Okonkwo, said membership of the organisation is open to young people within the eligible age bracket who are willing to learn, unlearn and relearn.

He also said this openness enables members to embrace new ideas, develop leadership skills and unlock personal growth.

Okonkwo noted that JCI also promotes financial empowerment through skills development, networking opportunities and entrepreneurship-driven initiatives, encouraging members to be innovative, collaborative and actively engaged.

He further highlighted the organisation’s mentorship structure through its Life Membership arm, popularly known as JCI Senators, made up of experienced past members who support younger members through structured mentor-mentee programmes.

Over the years, JCI Festac Town has grown in size and influence, now boasting over 40 active members comprising entrepreneurs, professionals and individuals contributing to governance and community development.

Outlining his agenda for the year, Igwe unveiled the BOLD vision for 2026, an acronym for Building Opportunities, Owning Impact, Leadership Development, and Data-driven, Sustainable Structures.

He explained that the vision is aimed at strengthening members, delivering measurable community impact and building systems that will sustain the organisation in the long term.

As part of its 2026 plans, JCI Festac Town has lined up flagship projects including a Career Weekend to guide young people on career choices, and the Evangel Entrepreneurship Summit (EES 8.0), an annual entrepreneurship platform now in its eighth year.

With its expanding programmes and renewed leadership drive, JCI Festac Town continues to position itself as a hub for youth empowerment and community development, reinforcing its belief that sustainable societal change begins with empowered young leaders.

JMG Marks Clean Energy Day with Major Solar Milestone

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JMG Marks Clean Energy Day with Major Solar Milestone

JMG Limited has reinforced its commitment to Nigeria’s clean energy transition by unveiling a major solar power milestone that is delivering significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

As the world marked Clean Energy Day on January 26, the company disclosed that it has deployed a 129-kilowatt hybrid solar power system at its Lagos head office, cutting diesel consumption drastically and saving up to ₦40 million annually in fuel costs.

The solar installation now supplies up to 90 per cent of the building’s energy requirements, generating about 15.48 megawatt-hours of clean energy monthly and eliminating more than 71 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The system has also reduced diesel consumption by over 34,800 litres per year.

The project, designed and executed by JMG Solar, integrates LONGi 575W solar panels, high-efficiency Deye hybrid inverters, and 122.9kWh lithium-ion battery storage, providing a reliable, scalable, and future-ready energy solution.

JMG operates across several specialised divisions, including JMG Power, JMG Solar, JMG Clima, JMG Elevator, JMG Electra, and JMG Industrial, delivering energy, cooling, electrical, vertical transportation, and industrial solutions that power homes, buildings, and industries across Nigeria.

Recently, business partners and key stakeholders toured the company’s headquarters to observe firsthand how the transition to renewable energy is translating into tangible cost savings, improved efficiency, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The visit highlighted JMG’s leadership in delivering practical and commercially viable clean energy solutions for Nigerian businesses.

Speaking on the development, Group General Manager of JMG Limited, Rabi Jammal, said the company is demonstrating that clean energy adoption can deliver immediate economic and environmental benefits.

“JMG is not just advocating clean energy; we are running on it. Our headquarters clearly demonstrates that smart solar solutions can deliver immediate financial and environmental benefits for businesses in Nigeria,” Jammal said.

Beyond its headquarters, JMG continues to advance sustainability across multiple sectors through renewable energy solutions for healthcare facilities, energy-efficient lift systems, smart air compressor solutions for factories, and advanced cooling technologies for data centres.

Reflecting on the significance of Clean Energy Day, Jammal reaffirmed the company’s long-term sustainability vision.

“As we celebrate Clean Energy Day, we are proud of the progress we have made in advancing sustainability across Nigeria. JMG remains committed to driving economic development while reducing environmental impact through smarter, cleaner energy solutions,” he added.

Rite Foods Reiterates Commitment to Clean Energy

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Rite Foods Reiterates Commitment to Clean Energy

Rite Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and clean energy adoption as part of activities marking the 2026 International Clean Energy Day, themed “Clean Energy for People and Planet.”

The leading Nigerian food and beverage manufacturer said it has continued to integrate clean energy solutions into its operations as a deliberate strategy to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining efficient, large-scale production for consumers across the country.

As part of efforts to deepen conversations around sustainable industrial practices, Rite Foods announced plans to host an interactive stakeholder session on Friday, January 30, 2026. The forum will convene energy experts, government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to deliberate on renewable energy adoption within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, with a focus on collaboration and innovation for a greener industrial future in West Africa.

Speaking on the company’s sustainability vision, the Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, described clean energy as a core business priority for the organisation.

“At Rite Foods, clean energy is a strategic business imperative. Our approach recognises the realities of industrial operations in Nigeria while deliberately pursuing cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient energy solutions that support both sustainability and business continuity,” Eze said.

He disclosed that the company currently operates a predominantly clean energy mix, with natural gas and solar power accounting for about 95 percent of its total energy use, while diesel represents only five percent. According to him, this energy configuration significantly reduces reliance on carbon-intensive fuels across the company’s manufacturing facilities.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Operations, Femi Ajileye, said Rite Foods’ production systems are designed to optimise energy efficiency without compromising quality.

“Our production systems are engineered to optimise energy use while maintaining the highest quality standards. By leveraging cleaner energy sources and fully automated production lines, we minimise energy losses and ensure consistent output, while remaining environmentally responsible,” Ajileye stated.

Rite Foods’ clean energy initiatives, the company noted, reflect its broader commitment to responsible manufacturing, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability within Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

CGC Adeniyi Urges Young Customs Officers to Pursue Global Expertise in Post-Clearance Audit

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CGC Adeniyi Urges Young Customs Officers to Pursue Global Expertise in Post-Clearance Audit

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has charged younger officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to aspire toward global expertise in Post Clearance Audit, PCA.

Speaking at the conclusion of the five-day World Customs Organization, WCO, Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme on January 23, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi emphasised that mastering PCA techniques aligns professional growth with international best practices.

“For the younger officers here, this might be your first exposure to this kind of training. Post Clearance Audit is an emerging tool developed by WCO, and this is the best way to start your career,” Adeniyi said. “I want you to shape your aspirations toward becoming PCA experts in the future.”

The CGC described the programme as insightful and transformative, noting that practical sessions exposed officers to advanced audit tools and techniques, enhancing analytical capacity and operational effectiveness.

He noted that the knowledge gained would directly support trade facilitation while safeguarding national revenue and economic interests.

Adeniyi reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to continuous reform, international collaboration, and deployment of modern tools to ensure Nigeria’s customs administration meets global standards.

Commending the initiative, WCO Trade Facilitation Expert James Clark highlighted Nigeria’s progress in adopting modern customs practices and stressed the importance of institutional commitment, capacity building, and consistent application of PCA tools to achieve long-term success.

Clark said, “We are confident that Nigeria is well-positioned to deepen its gains if this momentum is maintained. Your engagement this week shows the determination needed to create a more effective and facilitative trading environment.”

The five-day WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, funded by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom, ran from January 19 to 23, 2026. It focused on strengthening customs reforms, particularly Post Clearance Audit and risk-based compliance management.

The conclusion of the programme marks another milestone in the NCS’s ongoing efforts to promote ease of doing business, strengthen compliance, and position Nigeria as a competitive and reliable trading partner on the global stage.

SUSPECTED ARMED DRUG TRAFFICKERS ATTACK CUSTOMS OFFICERS IN OGUN STATE

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NCS, Ogun I Area Command

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ogun I Area Command, has confirmed that two of its officers were critically injured after suspected armed drug traffickers attacked Customs personnel during an anti-smuggling operation.

The incident occurred on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. at the Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, when officers acting on credible intelligence intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

According to the Command, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team before reinforcement could arrive. The attackers reportedly mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic locations to block access routes, preventing timely reinforcement and creating a volatile operational environment.

The hoodlums also opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting out its tyres. During the exchange, two officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving intensive medical care in critical condition.

The smugglers reportedly exploited the barricades to escape with the intercepted truck.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

He reaffirmed that violent resistance would not deter the Command or the Service from carrying out its statutory responsibility to combat smuggling and protect national security.

Afeni disclosed that investigations have commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all those involved in the attack.

He also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders within the Command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

He assured law-abiding residents of their safety and reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Dangote Cement Inducts over 100 New Engineers After Graduate Trainee Programme 

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Dangote Cement Inducts over 100 New Engineers After Graduate Trainee Programme 

Dangote Cement Plc has inducted nearly 200 newly trained engineers and other professionals into its workforce following the successful completion of its Graduate Trainee Programme.

Speaking at the induction ceremony held in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak, said the event was organised to celebrate employees who have made significant contributions to the company’s growth, while officially welcoming the latest cohort of graduate trainees into full-time roles.

“We are honouring some of our staff for their long service to the company, and we are also celebrating our graduate trainees who are officially rounding off their induction programme,” Pathak said.

He commended employees for their resilience despite prevailing economic challenges, noting that Dangote Cement recorded strong performance in 2025 in spite of a difficult operating environment.

“Despite the economic turbulence, your resilience and tenacity enabled us to overcome numerous challenges and achieve our objectives. More importantly, I thank you for your commitment and high performance, which have helped us retain our position as the dominant player in the cement sector—not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” he stated.

Pathak added that Dangote Cement remains Africa’s leading cement producer and is targeting a production capacity of 90 million metric tonnes per annum across the continent by 2030. He noted that the company has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and transformed the country into a net exporter to neighbouring nations.

The newly inducted employees completed an intensive 18-month Graduate Trainee Programme, which combined classroom instruction and hands-on industry experience. The training was conducted at the Dangote Academy, the company’s four cement plants across Nigeria, and its head office.

Participants were drawn from engineering, finance, information technology, and other professional disciplines. During the programme, they were deployed across Dangote Cement’s plants and operational locations, where they gained practical experience and benefited from mentorship by seasoned professionals.

The company disclosed that several of the trainees have already been integrated into its operations in Nigeria and other African countries.

Dangote Cement stated that the induction reflects its sustained commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities and strengthening indigenous technical expertise across its operations.

Also speaking at the event, the Acting Group Human Resources Officer, Mr. Ahmed Ladan Gobir, described the Graduate Trainee Programme as a strategic initiative designed to equip young professionals with world-class skills and deep industry exposure.

“Nigeria’s greatest asset is its young people, and at Dangote Cement we are deliberate about empowering them with the skills, exposure, and opportunities required to succeed,” Gobir said. “Through initiatives such as our Graduate Trainee Programme, we are building the next generation of African industrial leaders.”

In addition to the induction ceremony, Dangote Cement honoured outstanding staff with Long Service Awards and Hall of Fame Employee Awards in recognition of their dedication and consistent demonstration of the company’s core values.

Award recipients, who received monetary rewards, have each served the organisation for a minimum of five years.

Recognising four exceptional graduate trainees, the Programme Coordinator, Mr. Iyal H. Abdulkareem, said the awardees distinguished themselves through outstanding industrial competence during the programme.

He explained that their contributions included improvements to reporting and customer administration systems, raw and cement mill drive alignments, preheater fan dynamic balancing, and the development of templates for tracking key plant performance indicators.

The award recipients; Engr. Mary Nnana, Engr. Ahmad Sunusi Abdullahi, Engr. Ahmed Rufai Ahmed, and Engr. Ebenezer Afonja, also played key roles in the installation and commissioning of MIS servers at the Obajana Plant, as well as supporting cement mill optimisation systems at the Obajana and Okpella plants.

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