One of the front line industry belonging to Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Dangote Industries Ltd, has formally distanced its firm of any connivance in the haulage of youths (Almajiri) from Northern Nigeria to the South East.
The company, in a letter addressed to President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, dated 27th May, 2020 and titled: ‘Allegation of illegal Haulage against Dangote Industries Ltd’ profusely denied any linkage.
Ohanaeze President General, Chief Nwodo had recently expressed concern at the involvement of vehicles belonging to the companies of Africa’s richest man, in bringing the almajiris to the South East, advising him to halt it.
In an apparent response to Chief Nwodo’s admonishment, the company, in the letter signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Mr Anthony Chiejina, the company said “it categorically denies these spurious and misleading allegations, and hereby calls upon the public to disregard such report.
“Dangote Industries Limited also wishes to warn those who illegally transport materials on Dangote trucks that such unauthorised goods shall be confiscated and such drivers and/or owners of the goods persecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The company however solicited the assistance of the general public in the fight to rid the organisation of illegal haulage activities being perpetrated by some unscrupulous persons using its trucks.
According the company, the Dangote trucks are permitted to transport only the following materials, Dangote cement, limestone, high grade gypsum and coal as well as sugar, Dangote salt and Dano seasoning and Dangote branded sacks and bags.
In the letter to Ohanaeze, it alerted the general public to report any Dangote truck driver involved in illegal haulage, pleading that such reports be supported with credible evidence.
In the letter sighted by Global Upfront Newspapers (GUN), the company said it has alerted Police and other law enforcement agents to arrest any Dangote driver and his assistant caught in the act.
There has been widespread apprehension that despite the lockdown, hundreds of Northern youths have been transported to the South East through trucks belonging to the Dangote firm.
A lot of the youths have hidden under the cover of goods and animals cleared to to be hauled round the country under the lockdown restriction.
The situation created a lot of panic in the region with some even expressing fear that the mass movement of youths Southwards may have far reaching security under tone.