By Aliko Dangote Retires as Chairman of Dangote Cement, Emmanuel Ikazoboh Steps In
Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has officially retired as Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, effective July 25, 2025, the company confirmed in a statement on Friday.
Dangote, founder and majority shareholder of the continent’s leading cement manufacturer, stepped down to focus on the expansion of his other ventures, notably the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, petrochemicals, fertilizer projects, and government relations, integral to his ambitious five‑year growth agenda.
In his place, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non‑executive director with over four decades of senior management experience across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa, has been appointed as the new Chairman.
Media veteran Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has also joined the board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot has retired.
Since founding Dangote Cement in 1992, Dangote built the company into Africa’s largest cement producer, guiding Nigeria from heavy reliance on imports to becoming the largest exporter on the continent.
The company boasts over 52 million tonnes per annum (Mta) installed capacity, with ongoing expansions expected to raise total capacity to 61 Mta by the end of 2025 .
The cement giant recorded record-breaking performance in the first half of 2025, with group revenue up 17.7% to N2.07 trillion, EBITDA rising 41.8% to N944.9 billion, and profit after tax surging 174.1% to N520.5 billion .
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Ikazoboh pledged to uphold core values of integrity and excellence.
He outlined key strategic priorities including operational efficiency, cost reduction, the transition to alternative fuels, sustainability, innovation, and staff development.
He pledged to honour Dangote’s legacy while steering the company toward greater growth and resilience .
