Lafarge Africa Plc has reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₦97.95 billion for the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, representing a sharp 101 per cent increase from ₦48.64 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, driven by robust sales growth, improved operational efficiency and sustained cost discipline.
The cement manufacturer also posted net sales of ₦334.88 billion for the period under review, marking a 35 per cent rise compared to ₦248.35 billion achieved in Q1 2025, as demand strengthened across key markets on the back of improved distribution and plant stability.
Operating profit rose significantly by 97 per cent to ₦141 billion, reflecting what the company described as stronger volumes, enhanced route-to-market execution, and disciplined cost management across its operations.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the performance underscored the company’s strategic focus on efficiency, resilience, and sustainable growth.
“Our Q1 2026 results reflect continued progress in executing our strategic priorities. Net sales grew by 35 per cent year-on-year, supported by improved volumes, enhanced plant stability, and distribution efficiency,” he said.
He added that profitability was boosted by operational discipline and supply reliability.
“Operating profit increased by 97 per cent to ₦141 billion, while profit after tax rose by 101 per cent to ₦98 billion, driven by supply assurance, disciplined cost management, and improved route-to-market. These results underscore our continued focus on delivering sustainable value to our shareholders,” Alade-Akinyemi stated.
The CEO noted that the company’s performance was further supported by easing macroeconomic pressures and reduced global supply chain disruptions, which helped stimulate consumer demand across the construction value chain.
He expressed optimism about sustained growth prospects, citing increasing infrastructure development and construction activities in Nigeria.
“We anticipate continued market expansion from Nigeria’s infrastructure and construction sector demand, underpinned by improving economic fundamentals. We remain focused on capturing volume growth opportunities while maintaining disciplined cost optimisation to safeguard margins,” he said.
Alade-Akinyemi also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to leveraging the technical expertise of its strategic partner, Huaxin Building Materials Ltd, to further enhance operational efficiency and unlock additional value.
He added that Lafarge Africa would continue to prioritise disciplined capital allocation, cost efficiency, innovation, and sustainability-driven initiatives while maintaining strong health and safety standards across all operations.
“Our sustainability-led growth model continues to anchor our long-term value creation agenda, supported by the effective execution of our strategic priorities and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence,” he said.
Lafarge Africa said it remains focused on strengthening supply reliability, consolidating cost leadership, and advancing sustainable building solutions across its markets.
The company, a listed entity on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, operates cement plants in Sagamu and Ewekoro (Ogun State), Ashaka (Gombe State), and Mfamosing (Cross River State), with an installed capacity of 10.5 million metric tonnes per annum.
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