Emmanuel Ikazoboh named Chairman of Dangote Cement as Aliko exits board

Africa’s richest man and foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has officially resigned from his role as Chairman and Director of the Board of Dangote Cement Plc, with effect from July 25, 2025.

His exit marks a strategic shift in priorities, as he now turns his attention to overseeing the Dangote Group’s refinery, petrochemicals, fertilizer business, and government affairs, all central to the group’s five-year growth plan.

In a statement issued by the Group Chief, Branding & Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman of the Board.

The statement also confirmed the appointment of Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote as a new board member and the retirement of Professor Dorothy Ufot from the board.

Dangote Cement lauded Aliko Dangote’s contribution to transforming the cement industry in Africa, noting that his dream to make Nigeria and the continent self-sufficient in cement production was fully realized through years of investment, technology adoption, and local content commitment.

The company now holds a total installed capacity of 52.0 million tonnes per annum (Mta) across Africa, with Nigeria accounting for 35.25 Mta. With new projects in Côte d’Ivoire and Itori, Nigeria expected to come online later in the year, capacity is projected to hit 61.0 Mta.

The company also announced record-breaking financials for the first half of 2025. Revenue surged by 17.7 percent to N2.071 trillion, group EBITDA grew by 41.8 percent to N944.9 billion, and Nigerian operations recorded an 82.4 percent rise in EBITDA to N845.4 billion.

Profit before tax rose 149 percent to N730 billion, while profit after tax climbed by 174.1 percent to N520.5 billion.

Exports also increased, with 18.2 percent growth and 18 clinker shipments sent to Ghana and Cameroon.

Accepting his new role, Mr. Ikazoboh expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him.

He praised Dangote’s legacy and emphasized that his leadership brought credibility to African industrial capacity.

Ikazoboh also pledged to steer the company towards operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and innovation, including cutting costs to counter inflation, shifting to alternative energy, and enhancing staff development.

He said, “My vision for Dangote Cement is anchored on operational excellence, strategic expansion, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.”

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In 2024 alone, subsidiaries of the Dangote Group reportedly paid over N402 billion in taxes, making the conglomerate the country’s top corporate taxpayer.