Following the back and forth between the Kogi State Government and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the Federal government has weighed in, ordering the reopening of the Obajana cement plant which was shut last week.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made this known on Friday while addressing a press conference shortly after the end of the National Security Council (NSC).
The minister confirmed that the order was given during the council meeting. He also appealed to the two parties to allow all the issues to be resolved in accordance with the law.
In his words, “The council noted the development in Kogi and has ordered the reopening of the cement factory that is closed down and has advised that all issues related to that industry or factory should be resolved in accordance with the law, legally.
“Nobody must take the law into their own hands, either as a government or an individual. We are committed to guaranteeing and providing employment for Nigerians, whatever will hinder that or impede that must be discouraged.
“So, in that regard, the cement industry in Obajana must be reopened and all issues that are in dispute should be resolved legally,” Aregbesola said.
The Kogi government and Dangote Group have been at loggerheads over an ownership tussle involving the Obajana cement plant.
It would be recalled that Kogi State government last week shut the Obajana plant, questioning the Dangote Cement’s ownership of the factory. The government also raised issues of tax payment.
In its response, the Dagote Group said the Kogi government had no equity interest in Obajana Cement Plc, and that the company had been paying relevant state taxes, levies and charges to the Kogi government since it started production in 2007.
