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Chairpersons

Aliko Dangote Retires as Dangote Cement Chairman, Hands Over to Emmanuel Ikazoboh

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Aliko Dangote, Africa's most prominent industrialist, has officially stepped down as chairman and board member of Dangote Cement Plc, effective July 25, 2025, to focus on his expanding oil refinery, petrochemical complex, fertilizer operations, and high-level government engagement. The surprise announcement marks the end of an era in Nigeria's private sector, as Dangote redirects his efforts to accelerate the country's self-reliance in refined petroleum products and agro-industrial inputs. Dangote Cement, Nigeria's largest listed company, has appointed Emmanuel Ikazoboh, a seasoned financial services expert, as the new chairman of the Board of Directors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aliko Dangote's departure marks the end of an extraordinary journey that revolutionized cement production in Nigeria and positioned Dangote Cement as Africa's largest producer and exporter of cement and clinker, with a total installed capacity of 52.0 million metric tonnes per annum (Mta).
  • Nigeria accounts for 35.25Mta, with new greenfield plants under development in Cote d'Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0Mta) expected to boost total group capacity to 61.0Mta in 2025.
  • Under Dangote's leadership, Dangote Cement achieved record financial performance in H1 2025, with revenue climbing 17.7% year-on-year to $2.07 trillion, the highest in company history.
  • EBITDA rose 41.8% to $944.9 billion, led by an 82.4% growth in Nigeria operations.
  • Profit Before Tax surged 149% to $730 billion, and Profit After Tax leapt 174.1% to $520.5 billion.
  • Exports from Nigeria grew 18.2%, with 18 clinker shipments to Ghana and Cameroon.
  • Dangote Cement paid over $402 billion in taxes in 2024, solidifying the Dangote Group's status as Nigeria's highest taxpayer.

Statistics:

  • Total installed capacity of Dangote Cement: 52.0 million metric tonnes per annum (Mta)
  • Capacity expansion in Cote d'Ivoire: 3.0Mta
  • Capacity expansion in Itori, Nigeria: 6.0Mta
  • Projected total group capacity in 2025: 61.0Mta
  • Revenue in H1 2025: $2.07 trillion (17.7% year-on-year growth)
  • EBITDA in H1 2025: $944.9 billion (41.8% year-on-year growth)
  • Profit Before Tax in H1 2025: $730 billion (149% year-on-year growth)
  • Profit After Tax in H1 2025: $520.5 billion (174.1% year-on-year growth)
  • Tax payments in 2024: $402 billion

Sources:

  • Dangote Cement Plc Press Release
  • Naija247news Business Insight
  • Afrinvest Analyst Commentary
  • "Dangote Cement Reports H1 2025 Results" (Source: Dangote Cement Plc Press Release)
  • "Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Dangote Cement Chairman" (Source: Naija247news Business Insight)

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