Ejiro Efenudu
Dangote Cement Plc’s newly appointed Chairman, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, has unveiled a comprehensive five-point agenda aimed at propelling the company towards sustained growth and reinforcing its pivotal role in Africa’s industrial and economic development. This strategic framework was presented during a combined Closing Gong Ceremony and Facts Behind the Figures event at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) on September 10, 2025.
1. Strengthening Governance Structures
Ikazoboh emphasized the importance of maintaining robust governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices. He highlighted that Dangote Cement’s commitment to strong governance is essential for fostering investor confidence and sustaining long-term growth.
2. Driving Market Transformation and Growth
The Chairman outlined plans to expand Dangote Cement’s production capacity to 66.4 million tonnes per annum by 2030, up from the current 52 million tonnes. This ambitious target will be achieved through the establishment of new greenfield plants, capacity upgrades at existing facilities, and strategic expansion into key African markets. Ikazoboh noted that these initiatives are designed to meet the increasing demand for cement across the continent and contribute to Africa’s self-sufficiency in cement and clinker production.
3. Accelerating Innovation for Sustainability
Recognizing the global shift towards environmental responsibility, Ikazoboh emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation in low-carbon cement technologies. He stated that Dangote Cement is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint by adopting sustainable practices and investing in research and development to enhance product offerings.
4. Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement
The Chairman underscored the significance of deepening collaboration with host communities, partners, and other stakeholders. He highlighted that fostering strong relationships with these groups is crucial for the company’s social license to operate and for contributing positively to the communities in which Dangote Cement operates.
5. Investing in Human Capital
Ikazoboh stressed the importance of investing in the company’s workforce as a key driver of success. He outlined plans to implement comprehensive training and development programs aimed at equipping employees with the necessary skills to thrive in an evolving industry landscape. The Chairman also emphasized the need to cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence within the organization.
In his address, Ikazoboh acknowledged the critical role of the capital market in achieving Dangote Cement’s strategic objectives. He expressed a commitment to working closely with NGX Group and its stakeholders to ensure that the company’s growth initiatives align with market expectations and contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s capital market.
Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX Group, lauded Ikazoboh’s appointment, describing it as a significant moment for Nigeria’s capital market. He noted that Dangote Cement has long been a cornerstone of the exchange, contributing significantly to market depth, liquidity, and investor confidence. Kwairanga expressed confidence that under Ikazoboh’s leadership, the company will continue to thrive and set benchmarks for corporate governance and performance.
Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, reiterated the company’s commitment to embedding environmental responsibility into its operations. He highlighted that the company’s growth ambitions are increasingly tied to sustainability and innovation, ensuring long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders alike.
Ikazoboh’s appointment follows the retirement of Aliko Dangote, founder and former Chairman of Dangote Cement, who stepped down in July 2025 to focus on other strategic areas within the Dangote Group. Ikazoboh brings over 40 years of experience in senior management roles across various African countries, including Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa. His extensive background in corporate governance and market reforms positions him to lead Dangote Cement into its next phase of growth and development.
As Dangote Cement embarks on this new chapter, the company’s strategic focus on governance, growth, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and human capital development is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in Africa’s cement industry. The implementation of Ikazoboh’s five-point agenda is expected to drive sustainable growth, enhance shareholder value, and contribute to the broader economic development of the continent.
