Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced his retirement as Chairman and Director of the Board of Dangote Cement Plc, effective July 25, 2025.
In a statement released Friday by the Group’s Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, Dangote said his decision to step down is aimed at allowing him to concentrate on other key ventures — notably the $20 billion refinery, petrochemical, and fertiliser projects — and strengthen government relations to support the Group’s five-year strategic plan.
To fill the leadership vacuum, the Board has appointed Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman of Dangote Cement. Additionally, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote joins the board as a director, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot has retired from her position.
The company praised Dangote’s legacy, noting that under his leadership, Dangote Cement evolved into Africa’s largest cement producer and the leading exporter of cement and clinker in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Aliko Dangote’s vision transformed not only a company but the entire cement industry across Africa. His bold ambition to make Nigeria and the continent self-sufficient in cement production was achieved through strategic investments, innovation, and local content,” the statement said.
Today, Dangote Cement operates with a total installed capacity of 52.0 million tonnes per annum (Mta) across Africa, with 35.25 Mta in Nigeria alone. New greenfield projects under construction — a 3.0Mta plant in Côte d’Ivoire and a 6.0Mta facility in Itori, Nigeria — are expected to raise total capacity to 61.0Mta upon completion this year.
According to unaudited financial results for H1 2025, the company posted its highest-ever revenue and EBITDA. Revenue rose 17.7% year-on-year, from ₦1.76 trillion in H1 2024 to ₦2.07 trillion.
In his acceptance remarks, Ikazoboh said: “I’m truly honoured to accept this role. Dangote Cement is a beacon of African enterprise, built on innovation, resilience, and excellence. I will uphold the highest standards of leadership and governance.”
Ikazoboh is a seasoned business leader and former Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. He began his career at Akintola Williams Deloitte and held senior positions across West and Central Africa. In 2010, he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as interim administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), where he led critical market reforms.
