Dangote Cement Plc has recorded significant efficiency gains at its Gboko plant in Benue State after installing advanced air compressor systems supplied by JMG Limited.

The upgrade, powered by technology from Kaeser Compressors, has improved airflow efficiency and production stability at the facility.

What changed at the Gboko plant

Following a system audit and airflow analysis, JMG Industrial installed eight high-performance rotary lobe blower units designed for continuous heavy-duty operations.

The new configuration increased airflow efficiency by about 23%, with peak capacity rising by nearly 47% compared to the previous system.

These improvements are expected to enhance operational reliability while reducing energy consumption—key concerns for large-scale manufacturers.

Why it matters

Compressed air systems are essential in cement production and other industrial processes.

Efficiency gains in these systems can directly affect production output, operational costs, and environmental impact.

For Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, where energy costs remain high, such upgrades could help companies remain competitive and sustainable.

Industry perspective

Demand for energy-efficient industrial equipment is rising as manufacturers seek to optimise operations and reduce downtime.

Experts say partnerships between global technology providers and local engineering firms are becoming increasingly important in delivering reliable industrial solutions.

What Dangote Cement says

Mr Natu David, an engineer at the Gboko plant, said the upgrade had already delivered measurable improvements.

“The performance improvement we achieved with the new Kaeser blower system has significantly enhanced airflow stability across our production lines. We have seen measurable gains in efficiency and reliability.”

“JMG Industrial demonstrated strong engineering capability from system evaluation through full commissioning.”

JMG Industrial’s role

JMG Industrial, a division of JMG Limited, handled the installation and commissioning of the system.

The company specialises in engineered air compressor solutions, including installation, system optimisation, and long-term maintenance support.

As the authorised dealer of Kaeser compressors in Nigeria, it provides access to global technology backed by local technical expertise.

Bigger picture: Manufacturing and energy efficiency

Dangote Industries Limited operates across multiple sectors, with cement production forming a key part of its business.

With a production capacity of 52 million tonnes per year across 10 African countries, Dangote Cement remains the largest cement producer in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Upgrades like the Gboko installation reflect a broader push within the industry to adopt smarter, more efficient systems.

What’s next

JMG Industrial says it will continue delivering turnkey compressor projects and maintenance services for industrial clients across Nigeria.

As demand grows, more manufacturers are expected to invest in similar upgrades to improve productivity and manage rising operational costs.

The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Miriam Olusanya, has said leadership, technology, and inclusion will define the future of finance in Nigeria and across Africa.

She made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 marquee event of the Association of Professional Women Bankers, themed “Disrupting Finance: Women Driving Innovation, Inclusion & Scale.”

Olusanya said while digital tools are transforming banking, the real driver of sustainable progress will be the quality of leadership guiding those innovations.

“The future of finance will not be defined by technology alone, but by the quality of leadership guiding that technology,” she said.

She added that leadership must balance growth with discipline, build trust, and adopt long-term thinking in an increasingly short-term world.

Why it matters

Africa’s financial sector is undergoing rapid change, driven by fintech growth, mobile banking, and increased digital adoption.

However, experts say gaps in trust, access, and governance still limit how far innovation can go.

Olusanya argued that technology must serve a clear purpose—expanding access, simplifying banking, and helping institutions operate at scale.

“Technology must expand access, simplify engagement, and enable institutions to serve customers more efficiently,” she said.

Inclusion as a growth strategy

Olusanya highlighted financial inclusion as a key pillar of growth rather than just a social goal.

She stressed that women, in particular, play a critical role in expanding financial systems.

“When a woman gains access to finance, household income stability improves… and entire communities become more resilient,” she said.

She warned that ignoring underserved groups represents a missed economic opportunity for banks and policymakers.

Strength of institutions and trust

Beyond innovation, Olusanya pointed to the importance of strong financial institutions.

She said scale and long-term impact depend on governance, operational discipline, and credibility.

“Financial systems are built on trust, and trust cannot be improvised. It must be earned, reinforced, and protected over time,” she added.

Barriers facing women in finance

Despite progress, Olusanya acknowledged persistent barriers limiting women’s impact in finance and fintech.

These include cultural restrictions, limited access to digital tools, and underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making roles.

“If we are serious about disruption, we must be serious about dismantling these barriers,” she said.

She called for more women in leadership, investment committees, and policy-making positions, noting that representation influences who benefits from innovation.

Industry perspective

Analysts say her remarks reflect a broader shift in African banking, where institutions are moving beyond profit-driven models toward inclusive growth strategies.

Financial experts also note that closing the digital gender gap could unlock billions in economic value across the continent.

What’s next

Industry observers expect banks to increasingly invest in:

Digital infrastructure and fintech partnerships

Women-focused financial products

Financial literacy and inclusion programmes

Governance and institutional strengthening

As Africa’s financial ecosystem evolves, stakeholders say the balance between innovation, trust, and inclusion will determine long-term success.

Polaris Bank has announced funding for the full renovation of a historic faculty building at University of Ibadan, in a move aimed at strengthening higher education infrastructure and human capital development.

Why it matters

The Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences building has played a central role in training Nigeria’s financial and academic leaders for over four decades.

Originally donated in 1985 by the defunct International Bank for West Africa, the facility has hosted postgraduate programmes and supported hundreds of students in economics-related fields.

However, ageing infrastructure has increasingly limited its effectiveness, reflecting a wider challenge across Nigerian universities where outdated facilities affect teaching and research quality.

What Polaris Bank is doing

The bank says the renovation will transform the building into a modern learning environment, with upgraded lecture theatres, improved amenities and enhanced research spaces.

The project is expected to be completed within six weeks.

At a cheque presentation ceremony held last Thursday, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Kayode Lawal, represented by the Head of Retail Banking, Njideka Nwabueze, highlighted the broader significance of the intervention.

“Education is the most powerful catalyst for national transformation,” she said.

“By renovating this historic Faculty building, we are not only preserving a proud institutional legacy, but also creating a conducive, inspiring space for the next generation of economists, bankers, accountants, and financial experts who will shape Nigeria’s economic future.”

She added that the investment goes beyond physical upgrades.

“This project reflects our deep belief in investing in the minds that will drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and leadership across the nation and beyond.”

Wider impact on education and economy

Education experts say such interventions are critical as Nigeria seeks to build a knowledge-driven economy.

Investment in facilities for disciplines like economics, banking and accounting can help improve the quality of graduates entering the financial sector.

For students, improved infrastructure often translates to better learning experiences, stronger research output and increased global competitiveness.

The initiative also aligns with global development targets, including Quality Education and Economic Growth, which aim to improve access to inclusive and effective learning systems.

Industry and public perspective

Analysts note that private sector involvement is becoming increasingly important in addressing funding gaps in Nigeria’s education sector.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects like this one are seen as a way for financial institutions to contribute to long-term economic stability by investing in talent development.

Students and faculty are also expected to benefit directly from improved teaching environments, which could enhance academic performance and research capacity.

What’s next

The renovation is scheduled for completion within six weeks, after which the facility will resume full academic use.

Polaris Bank says it plans to continue partnering with institutions like the University of Ibadan to support education and bridge infrastructure deficits.