The Dangote Cement Company, Okpella factory, says it will spend N6.5 billion on a 7.5km link road connecting its plant to the highway.
The plant director of the factory, Mr Ismael Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with the NAN on Tuesday in Okpella, Edo.
Mohammed said the road project, which commenced in May 2026, was expected to be completed and inaugurated by May 2027.
“Approximately, the road is going to cost about N6.5 billion, and the job started somewhere around May 2026.
“The road is expected to be fully completed and commissioned by May 2027,” Mohammed said.
The plant director said the project was aimed at improving the wellbeing of staff, stakeholders and the host community.
He added that the completed road would also enhance security in the area.
“It is the road linking the factory from the highway.
“This road has been a bottleneck to us, our business and all other stakeholders.
“On many occasions, when we invite people from the community for meetings, one of the biggest concerns is the condition of the road.
“The fact that the plant is isolated, living far inside the bush, means the road has posed quite a lot of security threats.
“On May 13, 2024, we had a kidnap on that road. Assuming the road was good, most likely, to an extent, we would have averted that incident.
“Looking at all these issues, the company decided to make the road a priority,” he told NAN.
Mohammed disclosed that the contract was awarded to Rockseed, a Nigerian company owned by a Chinese firm.
He said the project involved constructing a 7.5km concrete road, with drainage channels on both sides.
“By the time we finish the road, we are planning to put solar lights from the gate to the highway.
“At least, this will enable people to drive on the road at night,” he said.
