· IPO is an opportunity for Nigerians to own a stake in industrial enterprise, says Aliko

By Oluwayanmife Lucas

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring broad-based participation in the Dangote Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO), announcing that investors applying with ₦50,000 and below will receive priority consideration as the company seeks to democratize ownership of one of Africa’s most significant industrial assets.

Dangote made the declaration during the final leg of the nationwide IPO roadshow held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where investors, financial market experts, business leaders and other stakeholders gathered to discuss the investment opportunity and its implications for Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Speaking at the event, Dangote emphasised that the IPO should be viewed not merely as an investment opportunity, but as a chance for Nigerians to become shareholders in a landmark enterprise that is reshaping the country’s industrial landscape.

“We will prioritise people with ₦50,000 and below,” Dangote stated, underscoring the Group’s determination to make the offering accessible to small and medium-scale investors across the country.

He noted that while international and African investors had already committed substantial capital to the refinery, the IPO now offers Nigerians a rare opportunity to participate directly in the ownership of a world-class industrial project built on Nigerian soil.

According to him, investing in the refinery goes beyond financial returns, representing a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s future, institutional development, corporate governance standards and industrial capacity.

“African investors have invested in this refinery. Now it is time for Nigerians to invest in themselves and participate in a project that is creating value, jobs and opportunities for generations to come,” he said.

Dangote also encouraged prospective shareholders to adopt a long-term investment perspective, noting that participation in the IPO presents a pathway to wealth creation, portfolio diversification and increased public engagement with the capital market.

He added that wider participation in the stock market would deepen financial literacy, promote a savings and investment culture, and enable more Nigerians to better understand how businesses create value and contribute to economic growth.

The roadshow also featured insightful presentations from leading economists and market analysts on the refinery’s economic significance and the broader opportunities associated with the public offering.

Renowned economist Bismarck Rewane highlighted the enormous economic potential of the South-South region and stressed the need to convert the area’s resource endowment into sustainable prosperity, infrastructure development and improved living standards. He also noted that the IPO presents an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s capital market by encouraging citizens to participate actively in wealth creation.

Similarly, economist Dr. Muda Yusuf outlined the refinery’s far-reaching impact on economic diversification, domestic value addition, energy security, capital formation and employment generation.

According to Yusuf, the refinery represents far more than a petroleum-processing facility, serving as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors including petrochemicals, packaging, manufacturing, logistics and other downstream industries.

He further emphasised that policy consistency, regulatory stability and sustained stakeholder engagement remain critical to maintaining investor confidence and attracting long-term capital into Nigeria’s industrial sector.

Speaking on the investment outlook, stakeholders urged prospective investors to consider the company’s operational performance, valuation metrics and long-term fundamentals when evaluating the offer.

Yusuf also described the refinery as a major example of domestic value addition, noting that its extensive local content and industrial linkages would significantly amplify its contribution to the Nigerian economy.

Discussions at the event further highlighted the importance of sound monetary policy, affordable financing and a predictable business environment in supporting investment-led growth and industrial expansion.

The Port Harcourt engagement was particularly significant for the South-South region, with legal luminary and business leader Paul Usoro expressing satisfaction at the level of participation from investors across the region.

“My joy is to see the South-South well represented,” Usoro said, stressing the importance of ensuring that investors from the region take advantage of the opportunity presented by the IPO.

The Port Harcourt event marked the final stop of the nationwide IPO roadshow, concluding a series of engagements designed to deepen public awareness and expand participation in what is widely regarded as one of the most significant capital market offerings in Nigeria’s history.

For Dangote Group, the objective remains clear: to provide Nigerians from all backgrounds with an opportunity to participate in the ownership of a transformative industrial enterprise while contributing to economic growth, employment generation and national development.

• Firm paid N3.3tr dividend in 15 years

Shareholders of Dangote Cement Plc are set to receive a dividend of N45 per share for the 2025 financial year. This represents a 50 per cent increase over the previous payout. Cummulatively, the company has over the last 15 years, paid over N3.3 trillion in dividends to shareholders.
Speaking on the company’s commitment to value creation, Chairman of Dangote Cement, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, reaffirmed the company’s determination to deliver consistent returns while maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence.
“Our commitment remains to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. We are proud of the confidence reposed in us by our shareholders over the years, and we will continue to pursue strategies that enhance profitability, strengthen corporate governance, and deliver superior returns on investment,” he said.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, noted that the company’s growth strategy remains firmly anchored on expanding production capacity, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening its pan-African footprint.
Commenting on the Board’s decision to increase the dividend payout to N45 per share, Pathak said: “The decision to increase our dividend by 50 per cent to N45 per share demonstrates the strength of Dangote Cement’s earnings capacity and cash generation capability. As we continue to execute our pan-African growth strategy, we remain committed to creating lasting value for our shareholders, investing in the future of the business, and supporting Africa’s industrial development. Our shareholders have stood by us throughout our journey, and we are delighted to reward that trust with another significant increase in returns.”
According to him, Dangote Cement aims to expand installed capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum by 2030, supported by strategic investments across Africa. “In 2025, we marked a milestone with the successful commissioning of a 3Mta grinding plant in Cote d’Ivoire, strengthening our presence in West Africa. With this addition, Dangote Cement now operates fully commissioned assets in 11 African countries, with total installed capacity of 55Mta-comprising 33.5Mta in Nigeria and 19.7Mta across our pan-African operations”
Pathak emphasised that the company remains focused on its vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker production while maintaining strong returns for shareholders.
The company’s dividend record highlights the success of its long-term growth strategy, which has seen it evolve into Africa’s largest cement producer with operations spanning ten African countries. Through continuous investments in capacity expansion, logistics, energy efficiency, and innovation, Dangote Cement has consistently strengthened its earnings profile and market leadership.
The company’s dividend history has become one of the most impressive on the Nigerian Exchange. Dangote Cement previously increased its dividend by 50 per cent from N20 per share to N30 per share, demonstrating a consistent track record of rewarding shareholders even in challenging economic conditions.
Market analysts say the increase in dividend payout to N45 per share sends a strong signal of confidence in the company’s future earnings prospects and underscores management’s commitment to shareholder wealth creation. The milestone dividend distribution further cements Dangote Cement’s reputation as a premier blue-chip stock and a benchmark for value creation on the Nigerian Exchange.

• Shareholders approve N500b Rights Issue

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has posted a turnover of N829.2 billion for its financial year ended 2025. The firm also received shareholders’ approval for a N500 billion Rights Issue, thus positioning the company to strengthen its financial standing, expand its capital base, and accelerate strategic initiatives. The Rights Issue, the shareholders reasoned will aid the Company in its ambitious backward integration projects.
The approval was given at the Company’s 20th Annual General Meeting held yesterday in Lagos during which the shareholders commended Dangote Sugar’s robust performance over the past year, underscoring their support for the organization’s ongoing evolution and future plans.
Addressing shareholders, Dangote Sugar Chairman, Arnold Ekpe, remarked that the year under review saw a marked improvement in performance, despite a challenging economic environment, noting that revenue growth and enhanced EBITDA demonstrate positive operational momentum. However, profitability was weighed down by a foreign exchange loss of N46.7 billion and additional finance costs totaling N128.6 billion.
The Group, he said, posted a turnover of N829.2 billion, a 25 per cent increase over 2024 adding “the loss for the year improved to N64.1 billion from N270.9 billion in the prior year, while EBITDA rose to N149.6 billion, up from N43.0 billion.”
Despite these hurdles, Ekpe assured shareholders that decisive actions are underway to boost operational efficiency and revenue growth. “With shareholder backing for the rights issue, we are in a strong position to bolster our balance sheet, setting the stage for future growth and profitability,” he said.
The Chairman emphasised the significance of the backward integration programme themed, “Sugar for Nigeria” as a cornerstone of the company’s strategic vision.
“This initiative is expected to drive profitability and value creation, reduce import dependency, mitigate foreign exchange risks, generate employment, and support local farmers through the out grower scheme.
“Our objective is to produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of sugar annually from domestically cultivated sugarcane. This involves developing approximately 45,000 hectares, with 2.7 million tonnes of cane earmarked for Numan and 3.35 million tonnes for Nasarawa. Achieving this goal requires substantial investments in land development and production capacity over the next five years,” Ekpe stated.
Looking forward, he affirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable growth, positive impact, and enhanced profitability, saying that “we will continue optimizing our operations, pursuing market expansion opportunities, and increasing our presence across the nation. Aligned with the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, we are dedicated to investing in our workforce and technology to consistently deliver exceptional products and customer satisfaction.”
The Group Managing Director and CEO of Dangote Sugar, Thabo Mabe, added that Dangote Sugar remains the sole producer of edible refined granulated white vitamin A fortified sugar, sourced from its backward integration site at Numan.
He mentioned that the company is diligently working to secure approximately $1.3 billion needed to fulfill its commitment to achieving a production target of at least 600,000 tonnes annually by 2030.
“We have revised our strategic development plan to meet the 2030 objectives, leveraging the combined potential of DSR Numan Operation and Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited estates. This integrated plan targets substantial cane production of around 6.05 million tonnes across 45,000 hectares from both sites.”
Speaking at the AGM, a shareholder, Mrs. Bisi Bakare, commended Dangote Sugar Refinery for having the largest Sugarcane Outgrowers scheme in Nigeria, describing the scheme as a great boost to backward integration and domestic economy. she also praised the board and management for navigating the company through the harsh operating business environment.