A new chapter is set to begin for Dangote Cement Plc as the company announces the appointment of seasoned financial expert and corporate governance titan, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, as its new chairman. This significant leadership transition follows the imminent retirement of the company’s visionary founder, Aliko Dangote, effective July 25, 2025.
Prior to his elevation to chairman, Ikazoboh served as an independent non-executive director on the board of Dangote Cement. He brings to this pivotal role over four decades of unparalleled experience, spanning across diverse sectors and geographies including Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa.
Commenting on his new appointment and the path forward, Ikazoboh stated, “We will continue to focus on the following key priorities: operational excellence, strategic expansion, sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.” This statement signals a commitment to build upon the strong foundation laid by Aliko Dangote while steering the company towards continued growth and impact.
Born on April 30, 1949, in Edo State, Ikazoboh’s extensive career is underpinned by a robust academic and professional background. He holds an MBA in Financial Management and Marketing from the prestigious University of Manchester Business School. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK, underscoring his deep financial acumen.
Ikazoboh began his distinguished professional journey with Akintola Williams Deloitte in Nigeria before taking on significant regional leadership roles in Deloitte’s francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. His ascent within the firm culminated in his appointment as Chairman and CEO of Deloitte West and Central Africa, a position he held until his exit in 2009, overseeing expansive operations across multiple markets.
His leadership prowess was further recognized in 2010 when Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appointed him as the interim administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS). His tenure during this period was marked by pivotal regulatory and structural reforms. He spearheaded revamps in listing requirements, corporate governance frameworks, and operational transparency, all aimed at restoring investor confidence amidst a period of significant market turbulence.
From 2014 to 2020, Ikazoboh continued to demonstrate his exceptional leadership on a pan-African scale, serving as the group chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI). In this role, he was instrumental in guiding board governance and spearheading expansion strategies across more than 30 countries, cementing his reputation as a leader capable of navigating complex multinational environments.
With a career spanning over four decades and marked by leadership roles across diverse sectors and geographies, Ikazoboh’s appointment signals a new chapter for Dangote Cement. His proven track record in financial management, corporate governance, strategic leadership, and regulatory reform positions him well to lead Nigeria’s largest cement manufacturer into its next phase of development and expansion.
