Dangote commits $800m to double Itori cement capacity

Dangote Industries Limited and Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding valued at over $800m to expand the Dangote Cement Plant in Itori, Ogun State, doubling its production capacity from six million to 12 million metric tonnes per annum.

According to a statement on Sunday, the agreement, signed by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of Sinoma, Lin Zhong, is expected to enable Dangote Cement to meet growing domestic demand while substantially increasing its export capacity.

The expansion is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading cement-producing nation and expand the country’s footprint in regional and international cement markets.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dangote described the project as a major milestone in the company’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, he attributed the decision to expand the capacity of the Itori cement plant to the country’s renewed drive towards using concrete for road construction and the company’s plan to export to other African countries, in line with its Vision 2030 target of producing between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes per annum.

According to him, the expansion will not only boost production capacity but also enhance the company’s ability to serve key export markets, generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth across the continent.

Dangote noted that the partnership with Sinoma had been instrumental in the successful delivery of several world-class cement manufacturing facilities and that the new investment further demonstrated confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and the future of Africa’s manufacturing sector.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Aliko Dangote said, “This $800m investment represents another bold step in our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and reinforcing our leadership in Africa’s cement industry. The expansion of our Itori plant to 12 million from 6 million metric tonnes per annum will not only enhance our ability to meet growing domestic demand but also significantly increase our export capacity, thereby generating valuable foreign exchange for the country. This project reflects our unwavering confidence in the Nigerian economy and our determination to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation, and regional trade across Africa.”

In the same vein, the Chairman of Sinoma described the agreement as a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies.

“We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with Dangote Group through this landmark expansion project. Over the years, our partnership has produced some of the most modern and efficient cement manufacturing facilities in Africa, and this new investment further demonstrates our shared commitment to industrial excellence.

“The expansion of the Itori plant will not only increase production capacity but also enhance Nigeria’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for the African continent. Sinoma will deploy its world-class engineering expertise, advanced technology, and global experience to ensure the successful delivery of this project to the highest standards.”

He added that the project reflected growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector and underscored the critical role of strong strategic partnerships in driving economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable industrialisation across Africa.

Upon completion, the expanded facility will serve as a major production and export hub, supplying high-quality cement to both domestic and international markets while further advancing Nigeria’s ambitions as an industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.