NRA Closes Dangote Cement
On August 25, 2025, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) ordered the complete closure of Dangote Cement (SL) Ltd following the company’s failure to settle an outstanding freight levy liability of $653,300.
The enforcement action, carried out on Monday, was led by the NRA’s Non-Tax Revenue Department under the supervision of Commissioner Tom Vandy. He was supported by the Deputy Commissioner of NTR, alongside officials from the Domestic Tax Department’s Compliance Unit.
According to the NRA, the liability dates back to 2020, with several notices being issued to the company demanding payment before the closure order was enforced.
Authorities say the move forms part of a broader crackdown on entities that fail to comply with non-tax revenue obligations, which contribute significantly to national revenue collection.
Dangote Cement Plc is Africa’s largest cement producer and a subsidiary of the Dangote Group, a conglomerate founded by Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote. The company operates in several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, where it supplies cement for both private and public construction projects.
In Sierra Leone, Dangote Cement (SL) Ltd began operations in 2018, establishing itself as one of the leading suppliers in the construction industry. The company imports and distributes cement through the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, and has played a significant role in meeting the country’s growing demand for affordable building materials.
Dangote Cement has often been praised for creating jobs and stabilizing cement prices in local markets. However, like many multinational corporations, it has faced scrutiny from regulatory authorities regarding compliance with tax and non-tax obligations.
The closure by the National Revenue Authority marks the most high-profile enforcement action against the company since it started operations in Sierra Leone, raising questions about its future business activities and potential impact on the nation’s construction sector.