Dangote Sugar Refinery Appoints Ayeni As Independent Director

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced the appointment of Mrs. Yemisi Ayeni as an Independent Non-Executive Director, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strong corporate governance and strategic leadership.

In a recent statement issued by the company, the board of directors approved Mrs. Ayeni’s appointment on March 20, 2025, citing her extensive experience in finance, governance, and executive leadership across multiple industries.

Mrs. Ayeni, a seasoned finance expert, holds a First-Class degree in Economics from the University of Manchester, UK, and became a Chartered Accountant in 1989. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a credential that underscores her deep expertise in financial management and regulatory compliance.

Her career spans over three decades, beginning with PwC in London before she returned to Nigeria in 1991 to join Shell Nigeria. During her tenure at Shell, she held multiple leadership positions, including serving as the Finance Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company Limited (SNEPCo)—a milestone that made her the first Nigerian woman appointed to the board of a Shell company in Nigeria. She later became the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator Limited, a role she held until her retirement in 2015.

Beyond her tenure at Shell, Mrs. Ayeni has played key roles in Nigeria’s corporate landscape. She has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc, was Chairperson of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, and currently sits as a Non-Executive Director at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd. She is also a Council Member of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, contributing to financial market development.

With this appointment, Dangote Sugar Refinery’s board now has over 40 percent female representation, marking a significant step toward gender diversity in corporate leadership.

The company noted that her appointment is subject to ratification at its next Annual General Meeting (AGM).