By Abdullahi Inuwa
Africa’s construction powerhouse, Dangote Cement Plc, has once again proven its industry dominance by clinching the ‘Cement Company of the Year’ award at the 2025 Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja.
The four-day housing expo — Africa’s largest housing and construction gathering — drew over 40,000 exhibitors from 21 countries, but it was Dangote Cement that stood tallest, recognized for its unmatched contribution to real estate development across the continent.
Presenting the prestigious award, Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto (represented by his Deputy, Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir) hailed Dangote Cement as “a household name and the pride of Africa,” lauding its role in job creation, economic development, and philanthropy.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmad Musa Dangiwa, also commended the company’s critical role in boosting Nigeria’s housing sector, urging closer public-private collaboration to tackle the nation’s housing deficit.
“Dangote Cement stands for standard and quality,” declared Prof. Samson Duna, DG of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI). “It dominates Nigeria and West Africa in market leadership and patronage. Thumbs up for Dangote!”
The AIHS 2025, themed “Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy,” aligns with Dangote Cement’s core values, according to company spokesman Anthony Chiejina.
Speaking during the company’s Special Day at the exhibition, Dolapo Alli, National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc, emphasized the need for synergy between government, private developers, and communities through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
“Through PPP models, governments can initiate new estates, while companies can receive tax incentives to drive affordable housing projects,” Alli said.
AIHS Coordinator Bar. Festus Adebayo expressed optimism that Dangote’s involvement will help rewrite Nigeria’s housing story, stating, “With innovation and collaboration, we can solve the housing deficit.”
The award adds to Dangote Cement’s growing list of recognitions across Africa, reinforcing its position as the continent’s cement titan and a critical partner in building Africa’s future — one block at a time.
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