Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Aliko Dangote has officially stepped down as Chairman and Director of Dangote Cement Plc, effective immediately.
The decision marked a significant change in the leadership of the company, which has been under Dangote’s guidance since its inception.
The is contained in a statement by the company on Friday,
Dangote’s exit from the cement board is attributed to his desire to focus on other strategic areas within the Dangote Group, including the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser, and Government Relations.
Following Dangote’s departure, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an Independent Non-Executive Director, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board.
Ikazoboh is a seasoned administrator with decades of experience in finance and governance.
He previously served as the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. and led reform efforts at the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Central Securities Clearing System on behalf of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has also joined the Board, while Professor Dorothy Ufot has retired.
During his tenure, Dangote transformed Dangote Cement into Africa’s largest cement producer, with a current production capacity of 52.0 million tonnes per annum (Mta), 35.25Mta of which is based in Nigeria.
The company’s capacity is set to rise to 61.0Mta this year with the completion of new plants in Côte d’Ivoire and Itori, Nigeria.
Under Dangote’s leadership, Dangote Cement recorded its highest-ever financial performance in the first half of 2025, with a 17.7 per cent rise in group revenue to N2.07 trillion and a 41.8 per cent increase in group EBITDA to N944.9 billion.
Accepting his new role, Ikazoboh described his appointment as “an honour” and pledged to uphold “the highest standards of leadership and dedication.”
He praised Dangote Cement as “a beacon of African enterprise” and promised to sustain its growth by focusing on operational efficiency, sustainability, strategic expansion, and staff development.
Ikazoboh also emphasised the company’s commitment to investing in innovation and alternative energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while boosting employee capacity and community engagement.
The leadership transition marked the beginning of a new chapter for Dangote Cement Plc, as the company prepares to build on its legacy of excellence and innovation across Africa’s industrial landscape.
With Ikazoboh’s leadership, the company is poised to continue its growth trajectory, driven by its commitment to operational efficiency, sustainability, and strategic expansion.
