Victor Ezeja
Dangote Group has announced that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc after two decades of leading the company.
According to a corporate disclosure on Wednesday by the company’s Secretary, Temitope Hassan, Dangote’s retirement from the sugar company’s board takes effect on 16 June 2025.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe statement indicated that Mr. Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director and former Group CEO of Ecobank, has been appointed as the new chairman.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe as the new Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025,” the statement said.
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The statement clarified that Dangote’s retirement and subsequent appointment of a new chairman was in line with the principles of good corporate governance.
It explained that Mr Ekpe’s appointment followed a “rigorous selection and transition process” undertaken by the Board.
Ekpe has decades of experience in corporate governance and banking, and he has a proven track record of success at major multinational corporations in Africa.
Dangote was commended by the Board for his outstanding leadership and steadfast dedication to the company’s mission.
“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 outstanding service,” the statement stated.
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As the board’s chair since 2005, Aliko Dangote has presided over its tremendous expansion and change, putting best practices in corporate governance into effect and managing large expansion projects.
Important Backward Integration Projects (BIP) were started in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States by the company under his leadership in an effort to increase domestic sugar production and lessen Nigeria’s dependency on imports.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
