•Expansion project to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major cement export hub

Dangote Industries Limited and Sinoma International Engineering Co., Ltd. Have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) valued over $800 million for the expansion of the Dangote Cement Plant in Itori, Ogun State, increasing its production capacity to 12 million metric tons per annum.

The agreement was signed by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of Sinoma, Lin Zhong, underscoring the long-standing strategic partnership between the two organizations and their shared commitment to advancing industrial development in Africa.

Under the agreement, the expansion project will significantly increase the production capacity of the Itori plant, enabling Dangote Cement to further meet growing domestic demand while substantially strengthening its export capabilities. The investment is expected to reinforce 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, Aliko 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 enabling environment for businesses to thrive, he attributed his decisions to expand the capacity of his cement Plant, in Itori, to the country’s new drive towards using concrete for its road construction and also the to export to needy African countries, all in line with the company’s vision 2030 of producing 90 to 100 metric tons 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 has been instrumental in the successful delivery of several world-class cement manufacturing facilities and that the new investment further demonstrates confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and the future of Africa’s manufacturing sector.

The Chairman of Sinoma expressed delight at the renewed collaboration, stating that the company remains committed to deploying its engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology to ensure the successful execution of the project. He emphasised that the expansion would strengthen the competitiveness of Dangote Cement and support the development of sustainable industrial infrastructure.

The Itori plant expansion forms part of Dangote Cement’s broader strategy to consolidate its leadership position in Africa’s cement industry through continuous investment in capacity enhancement, operational efficiency, and export-driven growth.

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.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said: “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. The expansion of our Itori plant to 12 million from 6 million metric tons 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 both 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 reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector and underscores the critical role of strong strategic partnerships in driving economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable industrialisation across Africa.

•PHOTO, L-R: Managing Director of Sinoma international (Nanjing) Engineering Co. Limited, Zhang Jian; Chairman of Board Sinoma international (Nanjing) Engineering Co. Limited, Lin Zhong; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote;Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited; Devakumar Edwin; Group Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak; During the Signing of MoU agreement Between Dangote Cement Plc, and Sinoma international (Nanjing) Engineering Co. Limited, for the Expansion of Dangote Cement Itori Plant, in Lagos on Saturday 1st August 2026.

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