Dangote Sugar Appoints Arnold Ekpe As New Board Chairman

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Arnold Ekpe as Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective June 16, 2025.

This was disclosed in a corporate statement dated June 11, 2025. Mr. Ekpe will be succeeding Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), who is stepping down on the same date after nearly two decades of outstanding leadership and service to the company.

The Board stated that Mr. Ekpe’s appointment came after a thorough selection process to find a qualified successor capable of continuing the standard of excellence set during Alhaji Dangote’s tenure.

Highlighting the confidence in the new leadership, the Board described Mr. Ekpe’s deep knowledge of engineering, finance, and executive management as essential for guiding the company’s future growth and innovation.

About Mr. Arnold Ekpe

Mr. Arnold Ekpe is a highly regarded corporate leader with more than 30 years of experience in global banking and industrial sectors.

Born in Nigeria in August 1953, he attended King’s College, Lagos, graduating in 1972. He then moved to the United Kingdom for his higher education. Between 1973 and 1976, he studied Engineering at the University of Manchester, graduating with First Class Honours as a Shell Scholar. He later earned an MBA from Manchester Business School (1977–1979).

Mr. Ekpe began his career in 1977 at Schlumberger SA as a Wireline Logging Engineer. In 1979, he joined Alcan Aluminium Nigeria, where he served as Executive Assistant to the CEO, overseeing key operations such as purchasing and labour relations.

His shift into banking came in the early 1980s when he joined International Merchant Bank (IMB), affiliated with First Chicago, as Head of Strategy. From 1980 to 1986, he served as General Manager of IMB Securities, leading its investment banking and stockbroking activities.

From 1986 to 1987, he was General Manager and Head of Corporate Finance at City Securities Limited, part of First City Monument Bank. He later moved to Nigeria International Bank (now Citibank Nigeria), serving as General Manager from 1987 to 1990.

Mr. Ekpe is perhaps best known for his time as Group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a position he held until his retirement in 2012.

In 2024, he joined the Board of Dangote Sugar Refinery as an Independent Non-Executive Director, bringing extensive governance experience and strategic insight to the company. His elevation to Board Chairman reflects the company’s commitment to strong leadership and continued progress.