In a major leadership transition, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest businessman and the founder of Dangote Cement Plc, has officially announced his retirement as Chairman and member of the Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025.
This move signals a strategic shift in focus for Dangote, who will now channel more attention toward the Dangote Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertilizer projects, and government relations as he continues driving the Dangote Group’s broader five-year strategic plan.
The development was confirmed in a corporate statement issued by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Appointed New Chairman of the Board
Following Dangote’s exit, the Board of Dangote Cement Plc has named Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman of the Board.
In addition, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has joined the board, while Professor Dorothy Ufot officially retired from her position.
A Legacy of Transformation and Industry Leadership
Reflecting on Dangote’s immense contributions, the company credited his visionary leadership with transforming Dangote Cement from a local operation into Africa’s largest cement producer and exporter. The company has become a key player in sub-Saharan Africa’s cement and clinker markets.
“Aliko Dangote’s dream was to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production,” the statement read. “Through consistent investment in modern facilities and a focus on local content, he not only fulfilled that vision but expanded it.”
Currently, Dangote Cement has a total installed capacity of 52 million metric tonnes per annum (Mta) across Africa, with 35.25Mta based in Nigeria. Additional plants under development in Côte d’Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0Mta) are expected to raise total capacity to 61.0Mta by the end of 2025.
Record-Breaking Financial Performance
According to the company’s unaudited financial results for H1 2025, Dangote Cement recorded the highest revenue and EBITDA in its corporate history:
- Group revenue rose by 17.7%, reaching ₦2.071 trillion, up from ₦1.760 trillion during the same period in 2024.
- Group EBITDA increased by 41.8%, hitting ₦944.9 billion, compared to ₦666.22 billion previously.
- Nigeria operations EBITDA jumped by 82.4%, totaling ₦845.4 billion.
- Profit before tax surged by 149%, rising from ₦292.96 billion to ₦730 billion.
- Profit after tax also soared by 174.1%, from ₦189.90 billion to ₦520.5 billion.
The company’s export activities also witnessed a notable boost, with export volumes from Nigeria increasing by 18.2%, and 18 successful clinker shipments delivered to Ghana and Cameroon.
Social Impact and National Contribution
Chiejina emphasized that Dangote’s enduring legacy goes beyond financial metrics. His influence is seen in the millions of jobs created, the infrastructure built across Africa, and the trust restored in the continent’s industrial capacity.
He noted that Dangote Group subsidiaries collectively paid over ₦402 billion in taxes in 2024, making the group Nigeria’s highest taxpayer.
New Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh Outlines Vision
In his acceptance remarks, Emmanuel Ikazoboh expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the board and committed to upholding a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Describing Dangote Cement as a symbol of African enterprise and resilience, Ikazoboh outlined several focus areas for his tenure:
- Operational Excellence: Driving cost efficiencies to navigate inflationary pressures.
- Strategic Expansion: Scaling presence across Africa through calculated investments.
- Sustainability: Accelerating the shift to alternative fuels and green technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
- Innovation & Technology: Embracing modern solutions to maintain industry leadership.
- Community Engagement & Workforce Development: Fostering employee growth through training and promoting inclusive development.
Ikazoboh’s Background and Credentials
Ikazoboh brings a wealth of experience in corporate governance and financial oversight. He previously served as Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., and began his professional journey at Akintola Williams Deloitte, where he led operations in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire.
In 2010, he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to serve as Interim Administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), where he spearheaded key market reforms.
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