Aliko Dangote will retire as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc on June 16, 2025, marking the end of two decades of leadership at one of Nigeria’s most profitable food companies.
- Aliko Dangote will retire as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc on June 16, 2025, concluding over two decades of leadership.
- Under his tenure, Dangote Sugar became a major entity in Nigeria’s food industry, achieving significant expansions and projects.
- The Board acknowledged his contribution to advancing domestic sugar production through back integration initiatives in several Nigerian states.
The declaration was made on Wednesday in a statement signed by Temitope Hassan, the company’s secretary.
“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 read.
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Dangote, who founded the company in 2005 as one of the Dangote Group’s primary subsidiaries, played a crucial role in developing the business into a dominant player in Nigeria’s food sector.
Dangote Sugar, under his leadership, completed large expansion projects and grew the company into a major pan-African enterprise.
As per the statement, the corporation undertook important Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States under his direction in order to boost domestic sugar output and lessen reliance on imports.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the Board has selected Arnold Ekpe, an independent non-executive director, as the next chairman.
Ekpe has extensive expertise in the post, having held executive roles in many African banking and industrial enterprises, as seen in the Punch.
His appointment represents continuity and stability as the corporation navigates its next chapter of expansion beyond Dangote’s legacy.
“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 reads.
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“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,” it added.
Dangote Sugar Refinery in recent months
Dangote Sugar recently opened a new sugar refinery in Ghana’s Kwame-Danso, Bono East Region. marking a key milestone in the company’s West African development.
The factory at Kwame-Danso can crush 12,000 tons of sugarcane per day throughout a 25,000-hectare irrigated crop.
The project, led by Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, marks a bold move to tap into Ghana’s $162 million annual sugar import market while supporting the government’s “One District, One Factory” industrialization policy.
In Nigeria, Dangote Sugar reported a solid first-quarter performance ending March 31, 2025. Revenue increased 74.3% year-on-year to ₦213.9 billion ($133 million), while net losses decreased to ₦23.6 billion, compared with N122.7 billion a year earlier.
Net loss narrowed to N23.6 billion ($14.7 million), reflecting improved operating efficiency and robust demand.
In the 2024 fiscal year, turnover increased by 51% to ₦665.6 billion due to strategic expansion and integration initiatives.
The firm expects to increase output to 1.5 million tons and generate roughly 75,000 employment.
