L-R, Chairman of Board Sinoma international (Nanjing) Engineering Co. Limited, Lin Zhong; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; During the Signing of MoU agreement Between Dangote Cement Plc, and Sinoma international (Nanjing) Engineering Co. Limited, for the Expansion of Dangote Cement Itori Plant, in Lagos on August 1, 2026.
By Peace Udugba
Dangote Industries Limited and Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd. have signed a landmark 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 (MTPA).
The agreement was signed by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Chairman of Sinoma International, Lin Zhong, marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership between both organisations to advance industrial development in Africa.
The expansion project is expected to significantly boost Dangote Cement’s production capacity, enabling the company to meet rising domestic demand while strengthening its export capabilities. The investment is also projected to reinforce Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading cement-producing and exporting nations.
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 Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling business environment, noting that the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on the use of concrete for road construction influenced the company’s decision to expand the Itori facility.
Dangote added that the expansion aligns with the company’s Vision 2030, which targets annual cement production of between 90 million and 100 million metric tonnes, while also increasing exports to other African countries.
According to him, the project will 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.
He noted that Sinoma has played a critical role in delivering several world-class cement plants for Dangote Cement and said the new investment reflects continued 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 from six million to 12 million metric tonnes per annum will not only enhance our ability to meet growing domestic demand but also significantly increase our export capacity, generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.”
He added that the project demonstrates Dangote Group’s confidence in the Nigerian economy and its commitment to supporting economic growth, job creation and regional trade.
Also speaking, Sinoma Chairman Lin Zhong described the agreement as another significant milestone in the partnership between both companies.
He said Sinoma would deploy its world-class engineering expertise, advanced technology and global experience to ensure the successful execution of the expansion 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 not only increase production capacity but also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for the African continent.”
He added that the investment reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s industrial sector and highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving economic growth, infrastructure development and sustainable industrialisation across Africa.
The Itori expansion forms part of Dangote Cement’s broader strategy to consolidate its leadership in Africa’s cement industry through sustained investment in production capacity, operational efficiency and export-led growth.
Upon completion, the expanded plant 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 powerhouse.
