Dangote Cement’s new chairman unveils five-point growth agenda
By Seun Ibiyemi
Dangote Cement Plc’s newly appointed chairman, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, has rolled out a five-point agenda aimed at sustaining the company’s growth momentum while deepening its contribution to Africa’s industrial and economic development.
Ikazoboh presented his priorities on Tuesday at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) in Lagos during a combined Closing Gong Ceremony and Facts Behind the Figures session.
His blueprint centres on sustaining governance structures, driving growth and market transformation, accelerating innovation to curb carbon emissions, strengthening engagement with partners and host communities, and investing in the company’s workforce.
“By working closely with NGX Group and its stakeholders, we will sustain our governance structures, pursue innovation, and strengthen engagement with investors and communities. This collaboration will be essential to securing the company’s next phase of growth,” Ikazoboh said in his first address as chairman.
His appointment in July followed the exit of Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, from the chairmanship of the cement company. Ikazoboh, who once served as interim administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange during a pivotal reform period, brings extensive governance experience to the role.
The leadership transition has drawn praise from the capital market community. NGX Group chairman, Umaru Kwairanga, described it as “an important moment for Nigeria’s capital market,” noting that Dangote Cement has long been a cornerstone of the Exchange, enhancing liquidity and investor confidence.
Group managing director and CEO of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, observed that the capital market is increasingly positioned as a driver of transformation. “The capital market is not only a platform for raising funds but also a driver of transparency, innovation, and long-term value creation,” he stated.
Also speaking, NGX CEO, Jude Chiemeka, explained that the Facts Behind the Figures initiative fosters investor understanding and enhances accountability. “Engagements such as this demonstrate the value of consistent disclosure and transparency,” he added.
Dangote Cement’s group managing director, Arvind Pathak, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to growth anchored on sustainability. “We are committed to building on our achievements by embedding environmental responsibility into our operations, expanding our regional footprint, and ensuring long-term value for shareholders,” he said.
With a market valuation above ₦8 trillion, Dangote Cement remains one of the largest companies listed on the Exchange. Its Premium Board listing underscores adherence to the highest standards of governance and disclosure, reinforcing NGX Group’s ambition to position Nigeria as a hub for sustainable capital formation in Africa.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic sounding of the NGX Closing Gong, a gesture that underscored Dangote Cement’s role as a bellwether for Nigeria’s capital market.