Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, has retired as Chairman of the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, ending a 20-year tenure at the helm of the company.
His retirement takes effect from June 16, 2025, according to an official statement released on Wednesday by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan.
“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 said.
Dangote, who has chaired the board since 2005, is widely credited with transforming Dangote Sugar into a dominant force in Nigeria’s sugar industry. Under his leadership, the company embarked on expansive Backward Integration Projects (BIP) in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, aimed at boosting local sugar production and reducing reliance on imports.
In his place, the Board has appointed Mr. Arnold Ekpe, an Independent Non-Executive Director and respected banker, as the new Chairman effective the same date. Ekpe is a former Group CEO of Ecobank and brings a wealth of leadership and boardroom experience across multiple sectors.
“Following a rigorous selection and transition process, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe… We look forward to the next chapter in our company’s journey under his leadership,” the statement added.
The company also used the opportunity to express gratitude to Dangote for his decades of “exemplary service and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Dangote Sugar remains a flagship company within the Dangote Group’s portfolio, and the leadership change is seen as part of a broader corporate restructuring and succession plan aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
