Business magnate and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is set to retire as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, bringing to a close two decades of impactful leadership at the helm of the company.
According to an official statement issued by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, Dangote’s retirement will take effect on June 16, 2025.
His exit marks the end of a 20-year tenure during which he transformed Dangote Sugar into one of Nigeria’s leading sugar producers and a major player in the West African market.
“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.
During his leadership, Dangote championed several expansion projects and was instrumental in launching key Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States—initiatives designed to boost local sugar production and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
In his place, the Board has appointed Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director, as the new chairman.
Ekpe, a seasoned banker and former Group CEO of Ecobank, brings with him decades of leadership and boardroom experience across the financial and corporate sectors.
“Following a rigorous selection and transition process, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe as the new Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. effective June 16, 2025,” the statement noted.
The company expressed gratitude to Dangote for his outstanding contributions over the years.
“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.”
