Dangote Cement Plc says it paid N3.3 trillion in dividends to its shareholders over the last 15 years.
The company made this known on Wednesday during its “Facts Behind the Figures” presentation at the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in Lagos.
Mr Emmanuel Ikazoboh, the new Chairman of Dangote Cement, who succeeded Alhaji Aliko Dangote, assured shareholders of sustained returns on their investment.
He said the company would continue to pursue its vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker production.
“In the last 15 years, we have paid a total dividend of N3.3 trillion to our shareholders and we assure you all of sustained returns on your investments.
“To our investors, you have my unwavering commitment to safeguarding and growing your investment.
“To our regulators and market operators, you have my pledge of continued partnership and adherence to governance standards that lead rather than follow.
“To our employees and partners, you have my gratitude and my assurance that our collective strength will propel us to achievements we haven’t yet imagined,” he said.
Speaking further on the future of the company, Arvind Pathak, Chief Executive Officer of the Group said, “We aim to expand installed capacity to 66.4Mta by 2030, supporting our long-term vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker production.
“This growth will be driven by a mix of greenfield and brownfield projects.”
Pathak revealed that the company had commissioned the first phase of 1.5Mta of its 3Mta Côte d’Ivoire plant, while construction of the 6Mta integrated Itori plant continued to advance steadily.
He said the company had announced a 400-million dollar investment to double its production capacity in Ethiopia.
He said, “Over the past 15 years, DCP has committed more than $8.5 billion in capital investments across Africa, underscoring our long-term confidence in the region’s growth prospects.”
Earlier, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of the NGX, commemded Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Group, for his substantial contributions to the Nigerian capital market and private sector development.
Kwairanga said Dangote who was also his mentor, had clearly demonstrated that wealth could be created but also transferred to the public through the capital market.
Kwairanga described Dangote Cement as one of the prides of the Nigerian capital market.
He noted that it was listed on the Premium Board of the Exchange, reserved for companies with the highest standards of corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
He said the company remained one of the most capitalised on the NGX with a strong record of rewarding shareholders through consistent dividends and capital appreciation.
Also speaking, Mr Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of NGX Ltd., described Dangote Cement as one of the most outstanding commercial entities listed on the Exchange.
Chiemeka said that this was based on the fact that the company had recorded huge dividend payments to its shareholders since its listing in the year 2010.
According to him, the company had also paid over 520 billion tax to the Federal Government.
He note that the company currently form nine per cent of the Exchange’s over N88 tillion market capitalisation.
Mr Faruk Umar, President of the Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), expressed excitement with the company’s financial performance.
“We are happy with this result. 2024 was very challenging due to the fluctuations in the foreign exchange market and the company’s expansion programme.
“BHowever, all these challenges, the company was still able to pay us a very good dividend and even gave us hope of better returns on our investments in the years to come.
“This is very commendable,” he said.
