…Project expected to boost exports, create jobs, strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base
Dangote Industries Limited and Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, valued at over $800 million to expand the capacity of the Dangote Cement Plant in Itori, Ogun State, from six million to 12 million metric tonnes per annum.
The agreement, signed by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of Sinoma, Lin Zhong, is expected to boost cement production, strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity and support the country’s ambition to become a major cement manufacturing hub in Africa.
The expansion is also expected to enable Dangote Cement to meet growing domestic demand, increase cement exports, generate foreign exchange and create employment opportunities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr 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.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying the decision to expand the Itori plant was driven partly by the Federal Government’s renewed focus on the use of concrete in road construction.
Mr Dangote added that the expansion would position the company to meet growing demand across Africa and support its Vision 2030 target of increasing cement production capacity to between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes annually.
“This $800 million investment represents another bold step in our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and reinforcing our leadership in Africa’s cement industry,” he said.
“The expansion of our Itori plant from six million to 12 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.”
Mr Dangote said the company’s partnership with Sinoma had contributed to the successful delivery of several modern cement manufacturing facilities across Africa.
He said the latest investment reflected the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and the future of Africa’s manufacturing sector.
The Chairman of Sinoma, Mr Zhong, 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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Zhong said the expansion of the Itori plant would increase production capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for the African continent.
He said Sinoma would deploy its engineering expertise, advanced technology and global experience to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Zhong added that the project reflected growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector and underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in driving economic growth, infrastructure development and sustainable industrialisation across Africa.
The Itori plant expansion forms part of Dangote Cement’s broader strategy to consolidate its position in Africa’s cement industry through continued investment in production capacity, operational efficiency and export-driven growth.
Upon completion, the expanded facility is expected to serve as a major production and export hub, supplying cement to domestic and international markets while supporting Nigeria’s drive to become a leading industrial and manufacturing centre in Africa.