By Rasheeda Hamidu
Dangote Industries Limited has signed an $800 million agreement with Sinoma International Engineering Company Limited to expand its cement plant in Itori, Ogun State, doubling production capacity to support rising domestic demand, exports and Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
The agreement was signed by Dangote Group President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, and Sinoma Chairman, Lin Zhong, according to a statement reported by Vanguard in August.
The expansion will increase the Itori plant’s annual production capacity from six million to 12 million metric tonnes, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a major cement producer in Africa.
Dangote said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and consolidating its leadership in Africa’s cement industry.
“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.
According to Dangote Industries, the project will help meet growing local cement demand while expanding exports to regional and international markets.
Lin Zhong said the expansion would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for the African continent.
He added, “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.”
The company said the project also aligns with the Federal Government’s policy promoting the use of concrete in road infrastructure and supports Dangote Cement’s Vision 2030 target of producing between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes annually.
NatureNews notes that while cement remains essential for infrastructure development, its production is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, making cleaner technologies and energy-efficient manufacturing increasingly important to achieving global climate goals.
NatureNews reports that investments in low-carbon cement production and sustainable industrial practices will be critical to balancing Africa’s infrastructure expansion with climate commitments.
