Aliko Dangote Steps Down After 20 Years at Dangote Sugar
In a major development for Nigeria’s corporate landscape, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), Africa’s richest man, has officially retired as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, effective June 16, 2025, marking the close of a remarkable 20‑year tenure dailytrust.com+15africa.businessinsider.com+15otowngist.com+15.
A Visionary Tenure
Dangote, who founded the sugar subsidiary in 2005 as a pivotal arm of the Dangote Group, transformed it into a powerhouse within Nigeria and across West Africa crestafrica.com. Under his leadership, Dangote Sugar achieved groundbreaking Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States—efforts that strengthened local sugarcane supply, reduced dependence on imports, and aligned with the National Sugar Master Plan legit.ng+12crestafrica.com+12abujacityjournal.com+12.
Corporate Expansion and Financial Gains
The company’s growth under Dangote was not merely symbolic. It completed major refinery expansions—including a new facility in Ghana’s Bono East region capable of crushing 12,000 tons of cane daily—and significantly increased production targets to 1.5 million tonnes dailypost.ng+13africa.businessinsider.com+13crestafrica.com+13. Financial results have mirrored this growth: 2024 turnover jumped by over 50% to ₦665.6 billion, while Q1 2025 revenues rose 74% year-on-year to ₦213.9 billion, with net losses narrowed considerably africa.businessinsider.com+1crestafrica.com+1.
Succession with Stability
In a carefully planned transition emphasising strong governance, Dangote Sugar’s board has appointed Arnold Ekpe—a veteran banker and former Group CEO of Ecobank—as the new Chairman, effective immediately afripost.ng+15africa.businessinsider.com+15okay.ng+15. Ekpe brings deep experience in pan‑African corporate leadership, noted for his extensive tenure steering Ecobank across the continent okay.ng+10en.wikipedia.org+10leadership.ng+10. The board described his selection as the result of a “rigorous selection and transition process” and extended heartfelt gratitude to Dangote for his transformational leadership abujacityjournal.com+11leadership.ng+11otowngist.com+11.
A Strategic Repositioning
While stepping away from the subsidiary board, Dangote is expected to channel his energies into other major projects—such as the massive Dangote Refinery and continued expansion across cement, fertilizer, and petrochemicals ifecityblog.com+1punchng.com+1. Analysts interpret his departure as a move toward deeper corporate governance in the Dangote empire, introducing seasoned executives into top roles to underpin long-term sustainability otowngist.com.
What It Means Going Forward
The change of guard at Dangote Sugar represents more than a routine leadership transition—it signals a maturation in Nigeria’s private sector governance. Ekpe’s arrival is expected to emphasise stability, investor confidence, and adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) objectives. Meanwhile, Dangote’s legacy endures in the company’s expansion into regional markets, resilient earnings, and strengthened rural economies.
As the company moves into a new chapter, the question remains: Can Arnold Ekpe maintain the momentum of growth while broadening the company’s sustainability footprint? The coming months will provide crucial insight into the strategic path of one of Africa’s corporate titans.