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LAGOS – Dangote Industries Limited has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth over $800 million with Chinese engineering giant, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd., to expand the production capacity of its Itori Cement Plant in Ogun State from six million to 12 million metric tons per annum (MTPA), in a move expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major cement export hub in Africa.
The agreement, signed by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of Sinoma, Lin Zhong, marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between both companies and signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s industrial and manufacturing sector.
The expansion project is expected to significantly raise Dangote Cement’s production capacity, enabling the company to meet rising domestic demand while expanding exports to African and international markets.
It is also projected to generate foreign exchange earnings, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and deepen Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dangote described the investment as a major step in the company’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to transforming Nigeria into a manufacturing powerhouse.
He attributed the decision to expand the Itori facility to the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on using concrete for road construction as well as growing opportunities to supply cement to African countries facing shortages.
Dangote also commended President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling business environment, saying the administration’s economic reforms have encouraged fresh investments in the country’s productive sectors.
According to him, the project aligns with Dangote Cement’s Vision 2030, which targets annual cement production capacity of between 90 million and 100 million metric tons across its operations.
“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,” Dangote said.
“The expansion of our Itori plant from six million to 12 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.”
He noted that Sinoma has remained a strategic partner in the successful execution of several world-class cement plants across the continent, adding that the latest investment further demonstrates international confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects.
On his part, Chairman of Sinoma, Lin Zhong, described the agreement as another milestone in the relationship between the two companies.
He said Sinoma would deploy its world-class engineering expertise, advanced technology and global experience to ensure the successful delivery of the expansion project.
“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.
“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.”
Lin added that the project reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector and underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in driving economic growth, infrastructure development and sustainable industrialisation across Africa.
Industry analysts believe the expansion will further consolidate Dangote Cement’s dominance in Africa’s cement market while positioning Nigeria to take advantage of rising regional demand under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Itori expansion forms part of Dangote Cement’s broader strategy of increasing production capacity, improving operational efficiency and driving export-led growth across the continent.
Upon completion, the expanded facility is expected to serve as one of Africa’s largest cement production and export hubs, supplying high-quality cement to both domestic and international markets while supporting Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a leading industrial and manufacturing economy.
