Shareholders of Dangote Cement Plc have approved a final dividend of N45 per ordinary share for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, bringing the company’s total dividend payout to a record N753.8 billion.
The approval was given at the company’s 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, where management reaffirmed its long-term strategy of expanding across Africa through increased production capacity, cleaner energy initiatives, and improved operational efficiency.
Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, said the company remains committed to positioning Africa for sustainable industrial growth by leveraging local resources and strategic investments.
Speaking at the AGM, the National President of the Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr. Faruk Umar, praised the company’s vision of promoting Africa’s economic independence.
“The key thing for this year’s AGM is transforming Africa. Our founder is working to ensure Africa becomes the source of its own wealth, using its resources to drive development instead of relying on foreign investors,” Umar said.
He added that the 50 per cent increase in dividend was backed by deliberate long-term strategies, particularly in export expansion and market growth.
According to him, the company has overcome previous operational challenges, expanded into new markets, and is implementing additional initiatives expected to sustain its growth momentum.
Expansion and cleaner energy
Dangote Cement also announced plans to further improve operational efficiency by reducing transportation and energy costs through investments in compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks and alternative energy sources.
Ikazoboh said the company is increasing its use of alternative fuels by converting waste into energy to power its manufacturing operations.
Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, said the company’s strong performance was driven by strategic investments in exports, logistics, and operational efficiency.
He disclosed that Dangote Cement plans to increase its annual production capacity from 55 million tonnes to 80 million tonnes by 2030 in line with the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030.
“We intend to grow from 55 million tonnes to 80 million tonnes,” Pathak said.
Shareholders express confidence
Financial analyst and shareholder, Nornah Awoh, commended the company’s financial discipline, highlighting the deployment of 3,000 CNG trucks and a 50 per cent reduction in bank borrowings as major contributors to improved profitability.
He also pointed to the company’s first-quarter performance, which he said was 101 per cent higher than the same period last year.
“They have paid us a N45 dividend. If this trend continues to the fourth quarter, we expect nothing less than a N60 to N70 dividend,” Awoh said.
He added that the company’s synergy with the Dangote Refinery would further improve profitability through direct access to diesel and gas supplies.
Awoh also applauded Dangote Cement’s continued expansion across Africa, including its growing presence in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, and other African markets.
According to him, the company’s profitability has exceeded N1 trillion for the first time, while its share price has risen above N1,000, reflecting strong investor confidence.
While acknowledging the attractive dividend, Awoh urged investors to focus on the company’s long-term sustainability rather than short-term returns.
“A dividend is not the only benefit of an investment. What satisfies me is seeing a company with a future. Dangote Cement is constantly expanding, which shows sustainability. From what I’ve seen, this is a company that will still be here tomorrow,” he said.
He added that the planned increase of 25 million tonnes in production capacity reinforces confidence that the company will continue creating long-term value for shareholders.
