Aliko Dangote Retires as Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh Takes Over

Aliko Dangote Retires as Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh Takes Over

Lagos, July 25, 2025 — Africa’s foremost industrialist and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has formally retired as Chairman and Director of the company’s Board, effective July 25, 2025. The move signals a major transition in the leadership of Africa’s largest cement producer, as Dangote steps aside to focus on other core sectors within the Dangote Group — including the multi-billion-dollar Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser, and Government Relations portfolio.

Following his retirement, the Board has announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Also joining the board is Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot retires from the board.

Aliko Dangote’s departure marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Widely credited with revolutionizing cement production across Africa, Dangote’s legacy is not only in market dominance but in his bold vision to make Nigeria and the continent self-sufficient in cement production. Through strategic investments in cutting-edge facilities and local sourcing, Dangote Cement rose to become the continent’s largest producer and exporter of cement and clinker, with a current capacity of 52 million tonnes per annum (Mta) across Africa. Ongoing projects in Côte d’Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0Mta) are set to raise this figure to 61.0Mta by year-end.

Under Dangote’s leadership, the company achieved its highest-ever financial results. The unaudited results for the half year ended June 30, 2025, revealed a 17.7% increase in group revenue — from ₦1.76 trillion in 2024 to ₦2.07 trillion in 2025. Group EBITDA jumped by 41.8% to ₦944.9 billion, while Nigerian operations recorded a staggering 82.4% growth, reaching ₦845.4 billion. Profit before tax rose by 149% to ₦730 billion, while profit after tax soared by 174.1% to ₦520.5 billion. Export volumes from Nigeria also climbed by 18.2%, with 18 clinker shipments dispatched to Ghana and Cameroon during the period.

Dangote's contribution to nation-building extends beyond profit figures. His companies paid over ₦402 billion in taxes in 2024 alone — making the Dangote Group the highest taxpayer in Nigeria. His retirement is expected to allow him devote greater attention to the completion and optimization of the Dangote Refinery and other megaprojects critical to Nigeria's economic growth.

In his acceptance speech, newly appointed Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to lead one of Africa’s most influential industrial institutions.

“I am truly honored to accept the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc. This company is a beacon of African enterprise, consistently demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence,” he said.

Outlining his vision, Ikazoboh said his focus will be on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and innovation, while upholding the company's core values. He also emphasized plans to adopt cost-reduction strategies, invest in alternative fuels and cleaner technologies, and strengthen employee development through training and performance-driven culture.

Ikazoboh brings to the role a wealth of experience. He previously served as Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., and spent decades in leadership roles within Deloitte West and Central Africa. In 2010, he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to oversee critical reforms at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS).

The transition at Dangote Cement is seen as both a celebration of a remarkable legacy and the beginning of a new phase in the company's evolution. As Aliko Dangote turns his focus to other national and continental ambitions, the company remains firmly positioned to build on his vision and deliver even greater impact.

Signed:
Anthony Chiejina
Group Chief, Branding & Communications Officer
Dangote Industries Limited