Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has officially retired from the Board of Directors of Dangote Cement Plc, effective July 25, 2025.
His retirement as Director and Chairman of the Board was confirmed in a statement issued Friday by the Group Chief, Branding & Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina.
The statement said Dangote stepped down to concentrate on other key ventures within his conglomerate including the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser, and Government Relations as part of the company’s ambitious five-year growth plan.
To fill the leadership gap, the Board has appointed Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman.
Additionally, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has been appointed to the Board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot has retired.
“Reputed as Africa’s leading investor, Aliko Dangote leaves giant footprints as he retires from the board. His vision and tenacity redefined not just a company, but the entire cement industry landscape by becoming Africa’s largest cement producer and largest exporter of cement and clinker in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the statement noted.
Dangote’s journey into cement manufacturing began with a mission to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient.
Through massive investments in cutting-edge plants and local production, the company has surpassed that goal.
According to the company, Dangote Cement currently boasts a production capacity of 52 million tonnes per annum (Mta) across Africa, with Nigeria contributing 35.25Mta.
New plants underway in Côte d’Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0Mta) are expected to increase total capacity to 61.0Mta upon completion this year.
The company also reported record financial performance under Dangote’s leadership. For the first half of 2025, unaudited results show:
Revenue grew by 17.7% to ₦2.07 trillion, up from ₦1.76 trillion in the same period in 2024.
Group EBITDA surged by 41.8% to ₦944.9 billion, with Nigeria’s operations accounting for ₦845.4 billion, an 82.4% increase.
Profit before tax jumped 149% to ₦730 billion, and profit after tax soared by 174.1% to ₦520.5 billion.
Export volumes from Nigeria also rose 18.2%, with 18 successful clinker shipments to Ghana and Cameroon.
“Aliko Dangote’s legacy will be counted in the millions of jobs created, the infrastructure built, and the confidence restored in African industrial potential,” the company said.
The Dangote Group also emerged as Nigeria’s highest taxpayer in 2024, remitting over ₦402 billion in taxes.
In his acceptance speech, new Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh expressed gratitude and pledged to uphold the company’s legacy.
“I am truly honored to accept the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc. My vision for the company is built on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to our core values.”
“We will focus on key priorities such as operational excellence, strategic expansion, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.”
Ikazoboh brings vast experience to the role. He previously served as Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. and began his professional career at Akintola Williams Deloitte, where he rose to become Managing Partner in West and Central Africa.
He was also appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2010 to oversee reforms at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS).
