Aliko Dangote bows out as Dangote Cement chairman, Ikazoboh takes over

Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Cement Plc, has officially stepped down as Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025.

According to a statement by the company’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, Dangote is retiring from the board to dedicate more time to other strategic projects, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser, and Government Relations.

“Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as a director and the chairman of the board of directors, effective July 25, 2025,” the statement read.

“He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the refinery, petrochemicals, fertiliser, and government relations in order to drive the company’s five-year business trajectory to a superlative height.”

Following his exit, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board. Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote has also joined the board, while Prof. Dorothy Ufot has retired.

Chiejina described Dangote’s departure as the end of an era, noting that his leadership reshaped not only Dangote Cement but the entire African cement industry.

“Aliko Dangote’s journey with cement began with a bold dream: to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production. Through strategic investments in state-of-the-art plants and a commitment to local content, he not only met that goal but exceeded it,” he said.

UNDER DANGOTE AS BOARD CHAIRMAN

Dangote Cement Plc says it recorded its best-ever financial performance under the leadership of Aliko Dangote, who recently stepped down as Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.

According to a company statement seen by DailyTimes, Dangote Cement became the largest cement producer and exporter of clinker in Sub-Saharan Africa during his tenure, with a current production capacity of 52.0 million tonnes per annum (Mta) across the continent. Of this figure, Nigeria alone accounts for 35.25 Mta.

The company said ongoing projects in Côte d’Ivoire (3.0 Mta) and Itori, Ogun State (6.0 Mta), are expected to raise total capacity to 61.0 Mta by the end of 2025.

“In the six months ending June 30, 2025, revenue rose by 17.7 percent year-on-year to N2,071.6 billion, while group EBITDA increased by 41.8 percent to N944.9 billion,” the statement said.

“Profit before tax jumped by 149 percent to ₦730 billion, and profit after tax surged 174.1 percent to ₦520.5 billion. Export volumes also grew by 18.2 percent, with 18 clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon.”

Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, said Dangote’s legacy goes beyond the numbers.

He said Aliko Dangote’s impact would be remembered in the millions of jobs created, infrastructure built, and the confidence restored in Africa’s industrial future.

According to him, “He has proven that Africa can produce, compete, and lead on the global stage.”

Taking over from Dangote, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, was announced as the new Chairman of the Board.

In his acceptance speech, Ikazoboh expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the board of Africa’s top cement manufacturer.

“I am truly honoured to accept the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc,” he said.

“My vision for Dangote Cement Plc is built upon a foundation of sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and unwavering commitment to our core values.”

He pledged to drive operational excellence, cut costs amid rising inflation, and adopt alternative energy technologies to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Ikazoboh also promised to prioritise staff development and strengthen community engagement.

Before this appointment, Ikazoboh served as Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. and held senior roles at Akintola Williams Deloitte.

In 2010, he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to supervise reforms at the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Central Securities Clearing System.