11 Talking Points From Yahaya Bello’s Face-Off With Dangote

Governor Yahaya Bello insists that Dangote’s Obajana Cement factory in Kogi belongs to the state – until proven otherwise.

The Governor has shut down operations at the cement factory in the face of a trade dispute over a contentious 20year old acquisition deal that is throwing up weight allegations.

Here are some of the talking points from the development that blew up this week.

1,  Governor Bello says a comprehensive investigation revealed that Dangote Group has not perfected a valid acquisition of Obajana Cement from Kogi State Government since 2002 when the deal was agreed on.

2,  The Governor claims the state has not received any payment for its holdings in the company nor dividends for its equity in the company.

3, Kogi State is said to own 10% equity in the Dangote Obajana Cement company.

4,  Dangote Group Executives insist that due payments have been made but allegedly have not provided “valid” documents to validate the position.

5, The Kogi state government – Governor and the state House of Assembly – accuse Dangote Group executives of shunning invitations to deliberate on the matter.

6,  Dangote Group is also accused of illegally operating Coal Mines in the state where coals used to power the factory are sourced. The company insists otherwise.

7,  The Kogi State Government has included tax evasion and documents that can not stand scrutiny in the accusations against Dangote Group. 

8, The Governor claimed environmental damage caused by Dangote’s “exploration” in the state.

9, The Governor ordered the shutdown of Dangote Group’s operation in Kogi state until a meeting between the state government Chairman Aliko Dangote or his representatives produce a mutually beneficial solution.

10, Governor Yahaya Bello asserts that he took the tough position after – based on tons of petitions from the public and armed with the result of multiple investigations – repeated efforts to meet with group chairman Aliko Dangote and other executives of the company failed.

11, Dangote Group is yet to make public its position on the shutdown of its operations in Kogi State as well as claims made by the Governor and the state government at press time.