Aliko Dangote Steps Down As Dangote Cement Chairman To Focus On Refinery Ventures.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has announced his retirement as Chairman and Director of the Board of Dangote Cement Plc, effective 25 July 2025, marking a significant shift in the leadership of one of the continent’s largest industrial conglomerates. The billionaire industrialist is stepping away from the cement giant to dedicate his efforts to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, petrochemicals, fertiliser operations, and government relations, aiming to steer the group’s ambitious five-year business strategy to new heights.
The announcement, confirmed by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, highlights Dangote’s transformative impact on the cement industry. Under his leadership, Dangote Cement grew to become Africa’s largest cement producer and the biggest exporter of cement and clinker in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a current capacity of 52 million tonnes annually across 10 countries. The company is set to expand further with new plants in Côte d’Ivoire and Itori, Nigeria, pushing its total capacity to 61 million tonnes by the end of 2025. Dangote’s vision to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production was realised through strategic investments in state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to local content, resulting in record-breaking revenue of N2,071.6 billion for the first half of 2025, a 17.7% increase from the previous year.
The board has appointed Emmanuel Ikazoboh, a seasoned executive with over 40 years of experience, as the new Chairman. Ikazoboh, previously an independent non-executive director, brings a wealth of expertise from his roles as Managing Partner at Deloitte West and Central Africa and Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. In his acceptance speech, he expressed honour in taking the role and pledged to implement cost-reduction strategies to navigate inflationary pressures while maintaining the company’s commitment to excellence. Additionally, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has been appointed to the board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot has retired from her position.
Dangote’s retirement from Dangote Cement follows his recent departure as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc in June 2025, signalling a broader succession plan within the Dangote Group. Despite stepping down from these roles, he remains the Group President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, overseeing its diverse operations. His focus on the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which began operations in early 2024, underscores his ambition to address Nigeria’s energy challenges and reduce reliance on imported fuel.
The business community has lauded Dangote’s legacy, with tributes highlighting his creation of over 25,000 jobs through Dangote Cement alone and the group’s contribution of over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it Nigeria’s highest taxpayer. His strategic vision has not only reshaped industries but also bolstered confidence in African industrial potential. As Dangote shifts his focus to the refinery, the industry watches eagerly to see how his leadership will continue to shape Nigeria’s economic landscape.
