Lafarge No More! Giant Rebrands as HBM Nigeria Plc in Shock Corporate Move

A significant corporate transformation has taken place for Lafarge Africa Plc, which has officially unveiled its new corporate identity and name as HBM Nigeria Plc. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the company's evolution, aligning its strategic direction with its new shareholder structure. The renaming to HBM Nigeria Plc signifies its continued growth as a prominent provider of building solutions in Nigeria, blending strong local foundations with enhanced global industrial collaboration.

Despite the change in corporate identity, the company has emphatically reassured all stakeholders—including its operations, workforce, customers, shareholders, and its steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s economic advancement and infrastructure development—that there will be no adverse effects. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, elaborated on the transition, stating that the new identity heralds a forward-looking era for the company. This new phase is characterized by a strong emphasis on operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, and the creation of long-term value.

Alade-Akinyemi articulated, "HBM Nigeria Plc represents an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading building solutions company. While our corporate identity is evolving, our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. We remain focused on delivering quality cement, concrete, aggregates, and innovative building solutions that support infrastructure development, housing growth, and industrialisation. This transition positions us for the future while reinforcing the values of excellence, sustainability, customer satisfaction, and responsible business practices that have defined our legacy for decades." He further clarified that the implementation of the transition to HBM Nigeria Plc will occur through a structured, phased approach across its nationwide operations, ensuring seamless business continuity, sustained investments, and an intensified focus on generating long-term economic and social value for employees, customers, shareholders, investors, and host communities.

Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman of HBM Nigeria Plc, commented that the transition is strategically designed to ensure the company's enduring success while maintaining fidelity to the core values and principles that have shaped its legacy over many decades. Expressing the Board’s confidence in the new corporate identity, Oyebode conveyed gratitude to shareholders for their trust, to the Board and Management for their leadership, and to employees for their dedication. He expressed conviction that HBM Nigeria Plc will continue to create sustainable value for shareholders, reinforce stakeholder trust, and achieve its long-term ambitions.

Among the dignitaries present at the unveiling, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, lauded HBM Nigeria Plc (formerly Lafarge Africa Plc) for its substantial contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development through various landmark projects across the nation. Highlighting the company's critical role in supporting the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi praised the company's integrity and the impeccable quality of its products. The event saw a notable attendance, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon Peter Odey; representatives of the Lagos State Governor, Adekunle Olayinka; and the Ogun State Governor, Tokunbo Talabi. Other attendees included government stakeholders, traditional rulers from Cross River, Gombe, and Ogun States, current and former board members, executive committee members, and various industry leaders.

While the corporate identity has officially changed, the operational integration, branding assets, and customer-facing communications will be progressively rolled out across all touchpoints. This ensures consistency, business continuity, and a seamless experience for all stakeholders involved.

HBM Nigeria Plc, previously known as Lafarge Africa Plc, stands as a leading Nigerian building solutions company and is an integral member of the Huaxin Building Materials Group. Huaxin Building Materials Group, founded in 1907 and headquartered in Wuhan, China, is a globally recognized manufacturer of construction materials. Listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), HBM Nigeria Plc plays an active role in Nigeria’s urbanisation and economic growth, contributing to Africa’s largest economy. The company boasts the widest footprint across Nigeria, with cement manufacturing facilities in the South West (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), the North East (Ashaka in Gombe State), and the South East (Mfamosing, Cross River State). Its Ready-Mix operations are established in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. HBM Nigeria Plc possesses a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). Leveraging its innovative expertise, HBM Nigeria Plc delivers value-added products and service solutions to Nigeria’s building and construction industry, producing a diverse range of cement solutions designed to cater to all building and construction requirements, from small individual home projects to major infrastructure developments.