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, doubling its production capacity from six million to 12 million metric tonnes per annum.
According to a statement released on Sunday, the agreement was signed by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of Sinoma, Lin Zhong.
The expansion is expected to enable Dangote Cement to meet rising domestic demand while significantly increasing its export capacity.
It is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading cement-producing nations and expand the country’s presence in regional and international cement markets.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dangote described the project as a major milestone in the company’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing an enabling environment for businesses and said the decision to expand the Itori plant was driven by the country’s renewed focus on using concrete for road construction and the company’s ambition to increase exports to other African countries.
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 investment will increase production capacity, strengthen export capabilities, generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth across Africa.
He also noted that the partnership with Sinoma had played a key role in delivering several world-class cement manufacturing facilities and demonstrated continued confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential.
“This $800m 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 from six 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 confidence in the Nigerian economy and its commitment to driving economic growth, job creation, and regional trade across Africa.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Sinoma Chairman Lin Zhong described the agreement as another significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between both companies.
He said Sinoma was honoured to deepen its collaboration with Dangote Group through the landmark expansion project.
According to Zhong, previous collaborations between the two companies have delivered some of Africa’s most modern and efficient cement manufacturing facilities.
He said the expansion of the Itori plant would increase production capacity while enhancing Nigeria’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for the continent.
Zhong added that Sinoma would deploy its engineering expertise, advanced technology, and global experience to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
He further stated that the investment reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector and highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in promoting economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable industrialisation across Africa.
Upon completion, the expanded Itori facility is expected to serve as a major production and export hub, supplying cement to both domestic and international markets while advancing Nigeria’s ambitions of becoming a leading industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.
