By Ayomide Otitoju
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended Dangote Cement Plc for its contribution to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, following the successful completion of the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification Audit at the company’s Obajana Plant in Kogi State.
The audit, conducted in two stages by a team of SON expert auditors led by Ijeoma Nkechi Ohaemesi, assessed compliance with quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards. The process, which lasted more than a week, confirmed that Dangote Cement had met the requirements for certification.
Ohaemesi praised the company’s commitment to excellence and continual improvement, describing Dangote Cement’s operational standards as a benchmark for the industry. “The audit certification process is designed to strengthen alignment with management system standards, and Dangote Cement has demonstrated exemplary compliance,” she said.
Sani Mikail, ISO System Coordinator for the Dangote Group, noted that the adoption of ISO management systems across all Dangote Cement plants was approved by Group President Aliko Dangote under the guidance of Vice-President (Oil & Gas) Devakumar Edwin. He added that the system has enhanced operational efficiency since its introduction in 2010.
Obajana Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, highlighted the benefits of the IMS, particularly in driving continuous process improvement. Company representative Kommineni Suresh further emphasized the plant’s pioneering role, noting that Obajana is among the first cement factories in Nigeria to attain IMS certification.
The plant’s IMS Team Lead, Akindele Temitope, attributed the milestone to management’s commitment and staff dedication. “This achievement will strengthen compliance, safety, communication, and overall business focus,” Temitope said.
SON urged other manufacturers to emulate Dangote Cement’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, describing the certification as a model for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
