Dangote Industries Limited and Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding worth more than $800 million to double the capacity of the Dangote Cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, from six million to 12 million metric tonnes per year. The agreement, signed by Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, and Lin Zhong, chairman of Sinoma, is aimed at boosting cement production, expanding Nigeria’s export capacity and supporting the country’s ambition to become a major cement‑manufacturing hub in Africa.
At the signing ceremony, Dangote described the project as a “major milestone” in the company’s long‑term growth strategy and its commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for businesses and said the decision to expand the Itori plant was partly driven by the federal government’s renewed focus on concrete use in road construction. “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.” He added that the project reflects the company’s unwavering confidence in the Nigerian Economy and its determination to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, job creation and regional Trade across Africa.
Dangote also highlighted the partnership with Sinoma, noting that it has delivered several modern cement manufacturing facilities across the continent. “The latest investment reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and the future of Africa’s manufacturing sector,” he said. The expansion is 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. Once completed, 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.
Lin Zhong echoed the sentiment, describing 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.” He added that the expansion would increase production capacity and strengthen 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 the project to the highest standards.
The project is expected to boost cement production, strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity and support the country’s Vision 2030 target of raising cement production capacity to between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes annually. It also aims to create employment opportunities, generate foreign exchange and reinforce Nigeria’s industrial base, positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s growing manufacturing sector.
