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Refinery: Participants throng Dangote pavilion at Abuja trade fair
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Participants at the 2024 Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) have been thronging the pavilion of the Dangote Group to make inquiries about the company, and its state-of-the-art oil refinery, which recently commenced the discharge of petroleum products.
KANO FOCUS reports that Dangote Group is one of the major sponsors of the 19th Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ACCI).
Many of the participants were seen milling around the company’s other business units, which include: Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Sugar, NASCON(Dangote Salt), and Dangote Cement.
A participant and block Moulder, Peter Ibrahim, told newsmen: “I am here at the Dangote booth to find out what business and job opportunities are available at the Dangote Refinery. We know the company must have created several opportunities.”
Speaking in the same vein, a cement dealer, Sale Sagir, said: “Let me be honest. I came to this Trade Fair because of Dangote Group. I sell cement, but now I have come to find out what it takes to be a distributed of other products, especially the Dangote Petroleum products.”
This year’s Trade Fair has as its theme: “Mobility Options for Transportation, Trade Financing, and Taxation.”
Speaking at the company’s Special Day, Senior Adviser to the Group President on Special Projects and Strategic Relations, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, said the Dangote Group has contributed to growing the Nigerian economy through transportation, trade financing and taxation.
She said: “Furthermore, during the construction of the Dangote Refinery, we had to construct a jetty in Lekki Free Zone to handle our bulk cargoes (including ne of the two largest cranes in the world), that we imported during the construction stage.”
“Today, we are exporting our products to a number of African countries through the same port. We also plan to ease the pressure on the roads from the Refinery by transporting finished petroleum products to other ports by along the Nigerian coast by sea, for further distribution to the hinterland.”
She said the company is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas(CNG).
“In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and also reduce costs, over the past decade, we have converted about a third of our fleet so far. This is an ongoing process, till we convert the entire fleet,” she said.
She added that the company is investing hugely in the agricultural subsector of the economy, assuring that the company’s products will soon hit the market.
Speaking earlier at the Special Day, President of the ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, described the Dangote Group as the engine-room for Nigeria’s industrilization.
Chief Obegolu, who was represented by Aisha Ado Abdullahi, ACCI Vice President Legal, commended the company for what he said was an “unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development.”
He added: “The taxes paid by the Group have contributed significantly to national revenue, funding infrastructure projects, and social programs that benefit millions of Nigerians.”
Dangote Cement Lifts SMEs In Nigeria
Scaling up its support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, has handed over a 33 KV public electricity power line and transformer to Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in Kogi State.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr Azad Nawabuddin, said the project involved extending high-tension power lines from Oyo community, over 5 km, to JMIL’s facility, where the power was stepped down through an installed transformer.
Mr. Nawabuddin said: “The new infrastructure will enable JMIL to access reliable public electricity, thereby reducing operational energy costs and enhancing production capacity of JMIL. It also provides opportunities for future expansion and job creation, as JMIL can now deploy additional machinery and equipment.”
He reiterated Dangote Cement’s commitment to supporting not only JMIL but Nigerians particularly within the host community for youth development and small & medium scale enterprise in Nigeria.
The Plant Director emphasized the mutual benefits of strong partnerships, expressing the company’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that benefit both parties and contribute positively to the community.
In his response, Managing Director of JMIL, Engr. Tony Ojile, expressed gratitude to Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL) and to the Group President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, saying the company has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.
He commended the Plant Director for his commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility schemes, expressing his company’s appreciation to the timely delivery of the electrification project.
Following the handover, the management teams of Dangote Cement Plc and Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) conducted a site visit to review the high-tension lines and exchanged official handover documents at the transformer location.
Mr. Nawabuddin also inspected JMIL’s facilities, to further understand the company’s operations.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced measures aimed at protecting smaller telecommunications operators from unfair competition by larger industry players through the release of a draft Business Rules framework for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
KANO FOCUS reports that the Commission has also invited operators and other stakeholders to submit comments and recommendations on the proposed regulations before their final adoption.
According to the NCC, the draft framework is designed to prevent dominant Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) from using pricing strategies or operational delays to frustrate smaller operators and virtual network providers operating within the telecommunications sector.
The Commission noted that the proposed rules would promote fair competition, protect the interests of emerging operators, and strengthen operational standards across the industry.
As part of its stakeholder engagement process, the NCC has requested industry participants and interested parties to submit feedback on the draft framework on or before June 29, 2026.
The Commission also announced plans to hold a public consultation forum on July 9, 2026, where stakeholders’ submissions and recommendations will be reviewed and considered before the final implementation of the rules.
According to the NCC, the new regulations are intended to create a level playing field for all operators, encourage healthy competition, and accelerate growth within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Key provisions of the proposed framework include strict onboarding timelines, fair pricing mechanisms, revenue-sharing arrangements, and mandatory compliance requirements for telecommunications operators.
Under the draft rules, host network operators will be required to acknowledge MVNO connection requests within 10 days and provide feedback on technical readiness within 20 days.
The framework further stipulates that all technical and commercial agreements between host operators and MVNOs must be concluded within 120 days to prevent unnecessary delays in market entry and operations.
To ensure equitable participation in the market, the NCC has also proposed benchmark pricing structures covering data services, voice calls, SMS, and USSD services.
The Commission believes the pricing model will help prevent dominant operators from engaging in anti-competitive practices that could force smaller virtual operators out of the market.
In addition, the proposed regulations introduce a tiered operational framework that clearly defines the scope, responsibilities, and operational boundaries of different categories of operators within the telecommunications ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders are expected to make further contributions to the framework before its final adoption by the Commission.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
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