December 11, (THEWILL) – The Senate has praised Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited for its contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth, particularly in the heavy-duty truck assembly sector.
This commendation was made during an inspection of the company’s assembly plant in Ikeja, Lagos, by the Senate Committee on Industry.
Leading the delegation on Monday, the Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Shuaibu Lau, expressed satisfaction with the strides made by Dangote Sinotruk, describing the company as a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial aspirations.
He assured the company of the National Assembly’s support in addressing its challenges and fostering a globally competitive manufacturing environment.
“The leadership of the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that Dangote competes effectively on the global stage,” Lau stated.
He urged the company to prioritize sourcing raw materials locally, adding that legislative measures would be introduced to support its operations.
Other committee members, including Senator Ekong Sampson and Senator Victor Umeh, commended Dangote Sinotruk for its enterprise and innovation but emphasized areas for improvement.
Senator Sampson urged the company to enhance its workers’ welfare, particularly in addressing industrial accidents and ensuring adequate compensation.
Senator Umeh, while impressed with the company’s progress, emphasised the need to intensify backward integration efforts by increasing reliance on local raw materials.
“We expect part of your backward integration strategy to include reducing dependence on imports,” Umeh remarked.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, noted the challenges faced by manufacturers in complying with the government’s backward integration policy.
He expressed optimism that the issues highlighted would be addressed before the committee’s next oversight visit.
The Group General Manager of Dangote Sinotruk, Mr. Hikmat Thapa, acknowledged the company’s challenges, including high operational costs.
He assured the Senate that efforts were being made to improve backward integration and worker welfare.
Similarly, Senior General Manager, Mr. McDappa Ngo, appealed for urgent support, warning that the company’s survival was at risk.
“Several other companies in our position have closed down due to high labor costs and operational challenges. Dangote has been using funds from other businesses to keep this going. We need your intervention urgently,” Ngo stated.
Ngo further emphasized the company’s commitment to staff welfare, noting its compliance with labor laws and the provision of on-site medical facilities for workers.
The Senate committee toured the company’s completely knocked down assembly plant, commissioned in June 2024 by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The tour covered various sections, including cabin trimming, chassis assembly, the paint shop, and spare parts operations, giving the lawmakers insight into the vehicle manufacturing processes.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
