July 19, (THEWILL) — HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, says its transition to a new corporate identity marks a new phase in its growth journey and strengthens its commitment to long-term competitiveness and advancement of Nigeria’s infrastructure. It also maintains that the company’s sustainability initiatives continue to impact lives and strengthen communities.
Speaking during a media parley held in Lagos, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, explained that the transition follows Huaxin Building Materials Group’s acquisition of a controlling stake. He emphasised that the transition reflects a renewed focus on operational excellence, sustainability, innovation, digital transformation and stronger collaboration across the business.
Alade-Akinyemi noted that the company has operated in Nigeria for more than six decades and remains committed to delivering quality building solutions through its cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete operations, while contributing to urban development, housing delivery, industrial growth, and critical infrastructure projects.
He stated that the recent expansion of the Sagamu and Ashaka plants, with production capacities of 2 million and 3.5 million metric tonnes per annum, respectively, would improve product availability and strengthen the company’s ability to serve customers across key markets. He assured stakeholders that despite the name change, the company’s purpose, values and commitment to excellence remain unchanged.
“We are the same trusted organisation, now operating under a new identity that reflects our aspirations for the future,” he said. The HBM boss also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable development, saying its investments in communities, environmental stewardship, and local capacity development continue to improve lives and create long-term value across Nigeria.
He emphasised that sustainability remains central to HBM Nigeria’s business strategy, with the company consistently increasing its investments in initiatives that positively impact host communities while driving inclusive economic growth.
He disclosed that HBM Nigeria has steadily grown its annual sustainability spending over the past five years, funding projects across education, healthcare, environmental conservation, community infrastructure and youth empowerment in its host communities.
“Our sustainability initiatives continue to impact lives and strengthen communities because we believe strongly in sustainability, and we put our money where our heart is. Every year, we continue to increase our investments because creating shared value for our communities is fundamental to who we are as a business. We will continue to grow our business sustainably, invest in research and innovation, create opportunities for Nigerians and deliver value to our customers, shareholders and communities,” he said.
He stated that beyond its social investments, the company’s ongoing expansion projects at its Ashaka and Sagamu plants are creating significant employment opportunities by prioritising skilled and unskilled youths from host communities during construction and, upon completion, generating more than 100 direct jobs and thousands of indirect opportunities across the supply chain, while strengthening local contractors, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises and contributing to Nigeria’s industrial development.
In addition, he also stressed that HBM Nigeria continues to pursue operational efficiencies, alternative energy solutions and productivity improvements to minimise cost pressures.
“Our expansion is about much more than increasing production capacity. It is about creating jobs, empowering local businesses, supporting Nigerian contractors, and delivering lasting economic benefits. The multiplier effect is enormous, and this is only the beginning. The brands Nigerians have trusted for decades remain the same. Elephant Cement remains Elephant. Unicem remains Unicem. Ashaka remains Ashaka. Our products, our quality, and our commitment to excellence have not change”, he added.
Also speaking, the Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, HBM Nigeria Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, said the transition reflects the company’s new ownership structure under Huaxin and aligns with its long-term vision for market expansion and sustained leadership.
Graham-Douglas commended the media for its continued support and professionalism, noting that the engagement was aimed at providing greater insight into the transition while strengthening collaboration with stakeholders. “It reinforces our commitment to developmental initiatives that support Nigeria’s economic growth and create lasting value for our stakeholders,” she said.
The media parley provided stakeholders with further details into the company’s transition to HBM Nigeria Plc, reaffirming its commitment to delivering innovative building solutions, driving sustainable growth and strengthening its contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.
