-
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, exits leadership at Dangote Cement after years at the helm
-
Emmanuel Ikazoboh, ex-Ecobank chairman and Deloitte executive, named as new board chairman
-
Move comes weeks after Dangote also retired from Dangote Sugar, marking broader succession plan
Nigerian billionaire industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote has retired from his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dangote Cement Plc, ending a prominent era of leadership at Africa’s largest cement manufacturer.
The decision, confirmed by a top company source who declined to be named, was disclosed on Friday evening. The source also revealed that Mr Emmanuel Ikazoboh, a seasoned professional and independent non-executive director, has been appointed to replace Dangote on the board.
Mr Ikazoboh brings with him over four decades of high-level executive experience, having held senior management roles across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
His career began at Akintola Williams Deloitte, where he rose to become the Managing Partner for West and Central Africa. He also previously served as the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., one of Africa’s largest banking groups.
Dangote’s exit from Dangote Cement follows a similar retirement move in June 2025 when he stepped down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, a company he led for over two decades. That retirement, the company said, aligned with principles of good corporate governance and long-term succession planning.
Mr Ikazoboh’s elevation to the board chairmanship is being interpreted as a strategic step in consolidating continuity and leadership sustainability within the Dangote business empire, which spans cement, sugar, salt, oil refining, and more.
