Dangote Steps Down After Two Decades: New Era Begins at Dangote Sugar Refinery

In a significant shift in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, will officially step down as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025. This marks the end of a remarkable 20-year leadership tenure, during which Dangote transformed the company into a dominant force in the nation’s sugar industry.

The announcement came through a corporate statement signed by Temitope Hassan, the company secretary, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The statement confirmed that the board had activated a long-anticipated succession plan aligned with modern corporate governance standards.

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Dangote’s Dedication Defined a Generation of Growth

Over two decades, Dangote has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s sugar refining landscape. Under his guidance, Dangote Sugar Refinery transitioned from a promising player to a recognized industry leader, with massive expansion projects and a sharpened focus on sustainability and local sourcing.

A key achievement under his watch was the implementation of Backward Integration Projects (BIP) across Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States. These initiatives were designed to bolster local sugar production and reduce Nigeria’s dependency on sugar imports—a long-standing economic goal. Today, these projects represent some of the most ambitious agro-industrial investments in the country.

The statement read: “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.”

While his departure marks the end of an era, Dangote’s legacy continues to echo through the company’s operational standards, growth milestones, and the corporate values he entrenched.

Arnold Ekpe to Succeed Dangote as Chairman

As the company turns a new page, Mr. Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director and seasoned financial expert, will step into the role of Chairman on the same day Dangote retires. Ekpe is widely respected for his tenure as the Group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, where he drove expansive regional growth and innovation across African banking systems.

The board’s statement praised the rigorous transition process that led to Ekpe’s appointment, stating: “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.”

With over three decades of experience across financial services, leadership strategy, and board governance, Ekpe brings a fresh perspective poised to guide Dangote Sugar through its next phase of development.

The company also extended a heartfelt note of gratitude to its outgoing Chairman: “We express our deep appreciation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his years of exemplary service and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

The Road Ahead: From Legacy to Leadership

As the baton passes from one of Nigeria’s most influential industrialists to a veteran of Africa’s financial sector, stakeholders and industry watchers will keenly observe how the company adapts to new leadership. Arnold Ekpe inherits not only a successful enterprise but also the high standards and expansive vision that Dangote embedded in the organization.

While challenges remain in achieving full self-sufficiency in sugar production, the groundwork laid by Dangote provides a stable platform for growth. Analysts expect continued emphasis on backward integration and potential expansion into value-added products under Ekpe’s leadership.

This leadership transition, though expected, is momentous. For many, Aliko Dangote’s name has become synonymous with Dangote Sugar itself—a brand built on scale, ambition, and impact. His exit marks not just a change in management but a symbolic turning point in one of Nigeria’s most storied business chapters.