NIGERIA: Aliko Dangote Steps Down as Dangote Sugar Chairman After Two Decades

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Aliko Dangote has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, bringing to a close his two-decade tenure at the helm of the company.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, his retirement will take effect from June 16, 2025.

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.”

Dangote, who assumed the chairmanship of the company in 2005, is credited with overseeing the firm’s transformation into a market leader in Nigeria’s sugar industry. Under his leadership, Dangote Sugar executed major Backward Integration Projects aimed at boosting local sugar production in Adamawa, Taraba and Nasarawa States. The company also announced the appointment of a new chairman to succeed Dangote.

The statement said, “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.”

Mr. Ekpe is a seasoned banker and a former Group Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank. He brings to the role extensive leadership experience from the financial services and corporate sectors.

The Board expressed appreciation to the outgoing chairman, stating,.

The Board stated: “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.”