Dangote empowers Benue farmers to become agro-entrepreneurs in support of local MSMEs

In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s food security and strengthen local agribusinesses, Dangote Cement Plc has launched a Farmers Empowerment Programme in Gboko, Benue State—an initiative aimed at transforming 50 local farmers into viable agro-entrepreneurs.

The programme, rolled out in Gboko Local Government Area where Dangote Cement operates a major plant, targets grassroots empowerment through practical agricultural development. Recognized as Nigeria’s food basket, Benue State offers fertile ground for scaling up smallholder farming into sustainable agribusiness ventures.

The empowerment scheme is part of Dangote’s broader mission to stimulate economic growth within its host communities. The company has recently supported women entrepreneurs with cash grants and significantly boosted bursary awards for students, illustrating a deep commitment to inclusive local development.

Speaking during the programme’s launch, Johnson Kor, Dangote Cement’s General Manager of Social Performance, described the project as both historic and transformative. He said 50 beneficiaries were drawn from six host communities and selected under the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA), signed in December 2024.

“This is the first initiative under our newly signed CDA, and it represents a major step toward sustainable community development,” Kor said, adding that the CDA contains multiple empowerment components rolled out in phases.

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Representing the Gboko Plant Director, Engr. Soom Kiishi, Head of Production, outlined the support structure for the farmers—ranging from training to farming essentials such as fertilizers, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, and quality seedlings. “Our goal is to scale this into an annual programme, evolving with the needs of the community,” he said.

He also revealed that new empowerment initiatives targeting other demographics—including youth—are in the works. These include training in welding, fabrication, and solar electrical installation, designed to equip young people with technical skills to start their own businesses or support MSMEs in the region.

Highlighting the long-term impact of Dangote’s community investments, Murugan reiterated the company’s vision to support skills development, enterprise creation, and education as vehicles for economic resilience and local SME growth.

This initiative not only strengthens agricultural value chains but also paves the way for scalable micro and small enterprises to thrive in Gboko and surrounding areas.