Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Dangote Cement Chairman to Focus on $20 Billion Refinery Project
Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, has officially retired as Chairman of the company's board, effective July 25, 2025. Dangote's decision to step down comes as he seeks to dedicate more attention to his other major projects, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, petrochemical and fertiliser plants, and government relations.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, has been named the new chairman of Dangote Cement.
Meawhile , Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has been appointed to the board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot, an independent non-executive director, has retired.
Dangote's retirement allows him to focus on his $20 billion refinery project, a significant undertaking that aims to drive the company's five-year business trajectory to new heights.
Under Aliko Dangote's leadership, Dangote Cement Plc achieved remarkable success.The company posted a record revenue of ₦2.07 trillion in the first half of 2025, up from ₦1.76 trillion in the same period in 2024.
Dangote Cement's total installed capacity currently stands at 52.0 million metric tonnes per annum (Mta) across Africa, with plans to increase capacity to 61.0 Mta upon completion of ongoing projects in Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria.
The appointment of Emmanuel Ikazoboh as the new chairman is expected to reinforce Dangote Cement's governance structure and support its long-term expansion strategy. Ikazoboh has outlined a five-point priority framework focused on operational efficiency, strategic expansion, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Source: Graphic Business/vanguardngr.com
