BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
After leading Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc for 20 years, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, will be stepping down from his position as Chairman of the Board. His retirement is set to take effect on June 16, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s top players in the sugar industry.
The announcement was made in an official statement signed by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, on Wednesday. According to the statement, Dangote’s exit aligns with the company’s commitment to corporate governance and long-term succession planning.
During his tenure, Dangote played a key role in transforming the company into a market leader. His leadership saw the rollout of several major initiatives, including Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, aimed at boosting local sugar production and minimizing dependence on imports.
In his place, the Board has appointed *Arnold Ekpe*, a seasoned finance executive and former Group CEO of Ecobank, as the new Chairman. Ekpe, who has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board, brings years of leadership and corporate experience across various sectors.
“We are grateful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for his outstanding service and dedication to the company’s growth. We are confident that Mr. Ekpe will continue to lead the company into a successful new chapter,” the statement read.
This transition marks a significant shift in leadership for the company as it continues to play a central role in Nigeria’s drive for self-sufficiency in sugar production.
