By Ayomide Otitoju
Dangote Industries Limited and Sinoma International Engineering Co., Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth more than $800 million to expand the Dangote Cement Plant in Itori, Ogun State, increasing its production capacity from six million to 12 million metric tonnes per annum.
The agreement was signed by Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, and Sinoma Chairman, Lin Zhong, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between both companies and their commitment to supporting industrial development across Africa.
The expansion is expected to boost cement production to meet rising domestic demand while strengthening Dangote Cement’s export capacity. The company said the project would further position Nigeria as a leading cement-producing nation and expand its presence in regional and international markets.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dangote described the investment 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 business environment, attributing the decision to expand the Itori plant to the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on the use of concrete for road construction and growing export opportunities across Africa.
Dangote said the expansion aligns with the company’s Vision 2030 target of producing between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes of cement annually.
According to him, the project will enhance production capacity, increase export volumes, generate foreign exchange earnings, create jobs and contribute to economic growth across the continent.
He added that Sinoma has played a key role in delivering several world-class cement manufacturing facilities for the Dangote Group, noting that the latest investment reflects confidence in Nigeria’s economy and Africa’s manufacturing potential.
“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 to 12 million metric tonnes per annum will not only enable us to meet growing domestic demand but also significantly increase our export capacity, generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.”
Sinoma Chairman Lin Zhong described the agreement as another milestone in the partnership between both companies.
He said Sinoma would deploy its engineering expertise, advanced technology and global experience to ensure the successful execution of the project.
“We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with Dangote Group through this landmark expansion project,” Zhong said.
“The expansion of the Itori plant will increase production capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for Africa.”
He added that the project reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector and demonstrates the importance of strategic partnerships in driving economic growth, infrastructure development and sustainable industrialisation across the continent.
The Itori plant expansion forms part of Dangote Cement’s broader strategy to strengthen its leadership in Africa’s cement industry through increased production capacity, improved operational efficiency and export-driven growth.
Upon completion, 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 ambition to become a leading industrial and manufacturing centre in Africa.
