JUST IN: Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Dangote Cement Chairman

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has officially stepped down as the chairman of Dangote Cement Plc.

The company announced this major leadership change in a statement released on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Dangote’s decision marks the end of an era in one of Nigeria’s most successful firms.

He handed over the reins to Emmanuel Ikazoboh, a seasoned corporate executive and former managing partner at Deloitte West and Central Africa.

According to the company, the move allows Dangote to focus more on his growing investments in oil refining, petrochemicals, and fertiliser production. These sectors, especially the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery, are set to reshape Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

Ikazoboh joined the board of Dangote Cement in April 2024. With his background in finance and governance, the company believes he will provide strong leadership in its next growth phase.

The board praised his strategic insight and professional expertise.

Dangote expressed confidence in Ikazoboh’s ability to lead the company. He thanked board members and shareholders for their continued support over the years. He added that the cement business will remain vital to Nigeria’s development, but his immediate focus will shift to industrial expansion projects with broader national impact.

Industry analysts believe the leadership change reflects a larger strategic pivot. Dangote now wants to drive his refinery project to full operational capacity after its commissioning earlier this year. That project, worth over ₦19 trillion, is expected to boost fuel supply, reduce import costs, and create thousands of jobs.

Investors reacted cautiously to the announcement, but market confidence remained steady. The company assured stakeholders that its operations and long-term vision remain intact.

With Dangote now directing his energy toward refining and fertiliser, analysts say Nigeria’s industrial sector could witness a new wave of growth. The shift signals that Dangote is betting on sectors with more value-added output and export potential.

Dangote Cement remains one of the most profitable firms in sub-Saharan Africa. Under his leadership, it expanded operations across several African countries. The company’s performance set the pace for other Nigerian firms aiming for continental growth.

As Dangote steps aside from cement operations, many observers expect him to push even harder to fulfill his industrial dream for Nigeria. With Ikazoboh now steering the cement company, the next chapter begins.

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