LAGOS, NIGERIA – July 25, 2025 – Aliko Dangote, renowned entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, has officially stepped down as Chairman and Director of the company’s Board, effective July 25, 2025. His decision marks a strategic shift in focus toward other core sectors of the Dangote Group—namely the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser operations, and Government Relations—as the conglomerate charts an ambitious five-year growth agenda.
In a consequential move, the Board has appointed Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an Independent Non-Executive Director, as the new Chairman of the Board. Additionally, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote joins the Board of Directors, while Professor Dorothy Ufot retires from her position.
Widely regarded as Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His vision transformed Dangote Cement from a domestic producer into the continent’s leading cement manufacturer and the largest exporter of cement and clinker in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dangote’s journey in cement began with a bold ambition—to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production. Through strategic investments in advanced manufacturing infrastructure and a strong commitment to local content, he not only realized that dream but exceeded expectations.
Today, Dangote Cement boasts a total production capacity of 52.0 million tonnes per annum (Mta) across the African continent, with Nigeria contributing 35.25 Mta. New greenfield projects underway in Côte d’Ivoire (3.0 Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0 Mta) are expected to be completed this year, raising total capacity to 61.0 Mta.
Under his leadership, Dangote Cement recorded its highest-ever financial performance. According to unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, group revenue surged by 17.7%—from ₦1.76 trillion in H1 2024 to ₦2.07 trillion. Group EBITDA also grew significantly by 41.8% to ₦944.9 billion, compared to ₦666.2 billion in the same period last year. EBITDA from Nigerian operations jumped by 82.4% to ₦845.4 billion.
Profit before tax rose by 149% from ₦292.96 billion to ₦730 billion, while profit after tax saw a 174.1% increase to ₦520.5 billion, up from ₦189.9 billion. Export volumes from Nigeria grew by 18.2%, with 18 successful clinker shipments to Ghana and Cameroon.
Aliko Dangote’s legacy extends beyond financials. It is reflected in the millions of jobs created, infrastructure developed, and the renewed belief in Africa’s capacity to lead industrial growth. In 2024 alone, companies under the Dangote Group collectively paid over ₦402 billion in taxes, making the group the highest contributor to Nigeria’s tax revenue.
Accepting his new role, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to uphold the company’s culture of excellence and innovation.
“It is a true honor to serve as Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc,” Ikazoboh said. “This company stands as a symbol of African enterprise, having consistently demonstrated resilience, ingenuity, and a commitment to quality. My vision for the company is anchored in sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and unwavering adherence to our core values.”
Outlining his strategic priorities, Ikazoboh said the company will focus on operational excellence, strategic expansion, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. He emphasized cost reduction as a key goal, alongside the adoption of alternative fuels and cleaner technologies to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to staff development and welfare, highlighting plans to invest in employee training and empowerment to foster a high-performance culture.
Mr. Ikazoboh brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is a former Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. and began his professional journey at Akintola Williams Deloitte. He previously served as Managing Partner in Deloitte’s Francophone Africa offices before becoming the Managing Partner for West and Central Africa. In 2010, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appointed him as Interim Administrator to oversee key reforms at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS).
As Aliko Dangote transitions to new challenges, his contributions to the cement industry and Africa’s industrial renaissance will remain indelible. His successor, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, is poised to build on this foundation and lead Dangote Cement into its next era of growth and innovation.
