Dangote Steps Down as Chairman, Dangote Cement
Aliko Dangote has relinquished his role as Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, with Emmanuel Ikazoboh assuming the position.
Dangote is stepping down to devote greater focus to the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertilizer, and Government Relations sectors, propelling the company’s five-year strategic trajectory to unprecedented heights.
This announcement is articulated in a press release disseminated by Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, and made accessible through Nairametrics.
Within the statement, Chiejina disclosed that the board of Dangote Cement Plc has appointed Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Concurrently, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has been named to the Board of Directors, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot has retired from the Board.
Leaving an indelible mark
The statement highlighted that as Africa’s foremost investor, Aliko Dangote leaves an indelible mark with his retirement from the board. His vision and determination have transformed not merely a company but the entire cement industry landscape, establishing Africa’s largest cement producer and leading exporter of cement and clinker in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Chiejina remarked, “Aliko Dangote’s journey with cement commenced with an audacious aspiration: to render Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production. Through strategic investments in cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to local content, he not only achieved that goal but surpassed it.”
“Dangote Cement Plc boasts a capacity of 52.0 million tonnes per annum across the African continent, with Nigeria contributing 35.25 million tonnes per annum. Currently, additional greenfield plants are emerging in Côte d’Ivoire (3.0 million tonnes per annum) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0 million tonnes per annum). Upon completion this year, total capacity will escalate to 61.0 million tonnes per annum.”
The spokesperson underscored that under Aliko Dangote’s visionary leadership, Dangote Cement Plc achieved its highest revenue and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) in the company’s history.
Corporate performance
According to the unaudited results for the six months concluding on 30th June 2025, group revenue surged by 17.7%, escalating from N1.760 trillion in the equivalent period in 2024 to N2.071.6 trillion, marking the highest revenue in the company’s history.
Group EBITDA expanded by 41.8% to N944.900 billion, up from N666.22 billion. EBITDA (Nigeria Operations) surged by 82.4% to N845.4 billion.
Profit before tax rose from N292.96 billion to N730 billion, reflecting a 149% increase, while profit after tax soared by 174.1% to ₦520.5 billion, compared to N189.90 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. Over the six-month period, export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2%, with 18 successful clinker shipments dispatched to Ghana and Cameroon.
Chiejina asserted that Aliko Dangote’s legacy will be measured by the millions of jobs generated, the infrastructure developed, and the confidence revived in African industrial potential.
He added, “He has demonstrated that Africa can produce, compete, and lead on the global stage. It is documented that subsidiaries under the Dangote Group remitted over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, establishing it as the highest taxpayer in the nation.”
New Chairman embraces appointment, outlines vision
Emmanuel Ikazoboh, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board, expressed his profound honor in accepting the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, pledging to uphold the highest standards of leadership and dedication.
In the statement, Ikazoboh characterized the company as a paragon of African enterprise, consistently exhibiting resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Over the years, Dangote Cement Plc has not only emerged as the continent’s leading cement producer but has also played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and development across numerous African countries.
Elucidating his tenure’s vision for the company, he stated, “My vision for Dangote Cement Plc is predicated on a foundation of sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to our core values. We will persist in focusing on the following key priorities: Operational Excellence, Strategic Expansion, Sustainability, Innovation, and Community Engagement.”
Part of the strategies he intends to implement involves reducing costs through robust cost-reduction initiatives to navigate inflationary pressures and enhance competitiveness.
The company, he stated, will expedite efforts to adopt alternative fuels and technologies, diminishing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Regarding employee welfare, he vowed that the company will continue investing in training and development, cultivating a culture of excellence, and empowering employees to realize their full potential.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh formerly held the position of Group Chairman at Ecobank Transnational Inc., the Pan-African banking group. His professional journey began at Akintola Williams Deloitte, where he initially served as the Managing Partner for francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, later ascending to Managing Partner of the Deloitte firm in West and Central Africa until 2009.
In 2010, he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an Interim Administrator to execute capital market reforms for the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc. (CSCS).
