Aliko Dangote Steps Down from Dangote Cement Board, Emmanuel Ikazoboh Named New Chairman

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s most prominent industrialist and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, has officially stepped down as Chairman and Director of the Board of Dangote Cement Plc, effective July 25, 2025.

The announcement represents a vital leadership transition within Nigeria’s largest cement manufacturing company and a critical shift in strategic focus for the Dangote Group.

According to a statement from the company, Dangote is retiring from the board to concentrate on other core business segments like the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser, and Government Relations. These sectors are expected to drive the conglomerate’s long-term industrial growth and consolidate its position in critical sectors of the Nigerian and African economy.

Following Dangote’s departure, the Board of Dangote Cement Plc has appointed Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director as the new Chairman of the Board.

In addition, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote was appointed as a Director on the Board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot retired from her directorship role.

Under Aliko Dangote’s leadership, Dangote Cement Plc evolved into the largest cement producer in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total installed capacity of 52.0 million metric tonnes per annum (Mta), including 35.25Mta in Nigeria.

Additional capacity from ongoing projects in Côte d’Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0Mta) will increase total capacity to 61.0Mta upon completion.

Dangote Cement’s unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, reflect the strongest performance in the company’s history. Group revenue rose by 17.7% to ₦2.07 trillion, up from ₦1.76 trillion in the same period of 2024.

EBITDA grew by 41.8% to ₦944.90 billion while profit before tax surged by 149% to ₦730 billion. Profit after tax climbed by 174.1% to ₦520.5 billion, compared to ₦189.90 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

Export volume from Nigeria rose by 18.2% with 18 clinker shipments successfully delivered to Ghana and Cameroon.

The performance affirms the company’s growing dominance in regional cement exports and its strategic role in infrastructure development across Africa.

Aliko Dangote’s tenure as Chairman witnessed the transformation of Nigeria’s cement industry from one dependent on imports to a continent-wide production and export powerhouse. Through sustained investment, localisation strategy, and operational efficiency, he positioned Dangote Cement as a continental leader in manufacturing and value creation.

In 2024, subsidiaries under Dangote Group remitted over ₦402 billion in taxes, making it the largest corporate taxpayer in Nigeria.

The group also accounts for tens of thousands of jobs and substantial investments in infrastructure and logistics assets across Africa.

In his acceptance statement, the newly appointed Chairman, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to sustain the company’s legacy of innovation and growth.

He described Dangote Cement as a symbol of African industrial excellence and laid out a five-point priority framework focused on operational efficiency, strategic expansion, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.

Ikazoboh emphasized the implementation of cost-reduction strategies to counter inflationary pressure and improve competitiveness.

He also announced plans to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels and reduce reliance on fossil energy sources.

In terms of workforce development, he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuous training and empowerment of employees.

Prior to his new role, Ikazoboh served as the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. and has held multiple leadership positions, including Managing Partner at Akintola Williams Deloitte for West and Central Africa.

He was also appointed Interim Administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2010, where he led key capital market reforms.

The appointment of Ikazoboh is expected to reinforce Dangote Cement’s governance structure and support its long-term expansion strategy, both locally and across regional markets.