Aliko Dangote Retires as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, will retire as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc on June 16, 2025, marking the end of a 20-year period during which he led the company to become Nigeria’s leading sugar manufacturer.

The announcement was made public through a statement issued by Temitope Hassan, the company secretary, on Wednesday. The statement emphasized the company’s adherence to good corporate governance and succession planning principles in facilitating this leadership change.

“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,” the statement declared.

During his tenure, Dangote spearheaded significant expansion projects that enhanced the company’s production capacity. Notably, he championed Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, which have been pivotal in increasing local sugar production and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.

The Board has appointed Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director with vast experience in banking and corporate governance, as the new Chairman. Ekpe is a former group CEO of Ecobank and is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the role.

“Following a rigorous selection and transition process, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe, Independent Non-Executive Director as the new Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. effective 16th June 2025,” the statement added.

The company expressed confidence in Ekpe’s leadership and appreciation for Dangote’s service: “We welcome Mr. Ekpe to his new role and look forward to the next chapter in our Company’s journey under his leadership. We also express our deep appreciation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his years of exemplary service and unwavering commitment to excellence.”