Nigeria’s inimitable businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has retired from Dangote Cement.
A report by The Eagle Online said on Friday.
Before his retirement from the cement arm of his multisectoral businesses, Dangote had served on the board of the company and was its Chairman.
The report said that a replacement had been named to replace him on the board as chairman.
It quoted a grapevine to have said that Emmanuel Ikazoboh would take Dangote’s position on the board.
Recall that Dangote had in June this year resigned from the Cement sector of his mega business empire.
Sundry media reports had said that Dangote officially retired as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC as widely reported on June 12, 2025..
A statement signed by Dangote Sugar Refinery’s Company Secretary, Temitope Hassan, confirmed that Dangote’s retirement becomes effective on June 16, 2025.
The development ends a 20-year tenure that shaped the company’s growth and market leadership.
A founding director of Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote had played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, ensuring steady shareholder value, solidifying its corporate governance framework, and navigating key industry developments.
The company’s statement acknowledged his immense contribution, stating, “In line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc hereby announces the retirement of our esteemed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), effective June 16, 2025.”
Throughout his tenure, the company executed major backwards integration projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, aimed at strengthening its supply chain and boosting domestic sugar production.
The statement further highlighted his leadership impact, stating, “He also played an instrumental role in shaping the Company’s strategy and culture, thereby building a robust foundation for growth and sustenance.”
Following a thorough selection and transition process, the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC had appointed Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director, as the company’s new Chairman, effective June 16, 2025.
Ekpe, a renowned banking executive, brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having previously held senior positions in the financial sector and other key industries.
His deep understanding of corporate governance, strategic vision, and commitment to stakeholder value positions him strongly to lead the company into its next phase of growth, the statement said.
Ekpe is expected to build upon the company’s successes, further solidifying its market position and long-term sustainability.
As the company undergoes this leadership transition, industry analysts will be watching closely to see how Ekpe steers Dangote Sugar Refinery in an evolving economic and regulatory landscape.
