Dangote Allots $800m to Expand Itori Cement Plant Capacity to 12 MTA

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Dangote Cement Plc has commenced the process of expanding the capacity of its Itori Cement Plant in Ogun State to 12 million metric tonnes per annum (12MTA).

Already, the cement firm has signed a memorandum of understanding of $800 million with Sinoma International Engineering Company Limited for the exercise.

The expansion project will enable 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.

The chairman of Dangote Cement, Mr Aliko Dangote, said the decision to embark on the project was driven by Nigeria’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.

“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,” the businessman said.

On his part, the chairman of Sinoma, Mr Lin Zhong, said his organisation remains committed to deploying its engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology to ensure the successful execution of the project, stressing that the expansion will strengthen the competitiveness of Dangote Cement and support the development of sustainable industrial infrastructure.

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.

“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,” Mr Zhong stated.