By Peace Udugba
A new chapter has begun for Lafarge Africa Plc as the company officially unveiled its new corporate identity and name, HBM Nigeria Plc, marking a significant milestone in its transformation journey and strategic alignment with its new shareholder structure.
The company said the change reflects its continued evolution as one of Nigeria’s leading building solutions providers, combining strong local roots with enhanced global industrial collaboration.
HBM Nigeria Plc assured stakeholders that the transition would not affect its operations, workforce, customers, shareholders, or its commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the new identity as a forward-looking phase driven by operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
“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,” he said.
Alade-Akinyemi added that the transition would be implemented through a structured and phased process across the company’s nationwide operations. He assured employees, customers, shareholders, investors, host communities and other stakeholders of seamless business continuity and sustained investments across the country.
Chairman of HBM Nigeria Plc, Gbenga Oyebode, said the rebranding was designed to position the company for enduring success while remaining faithful to the values and principles that have shaped its legacy over the years.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our shareholders for their continued trust, to the Board and management for their leadership, and to our employees whose dedication and commitment continue to drive the company forward. We are confident that HBM Nigeria Plc will continue to create sustainable value for shareholders, strengthen stakeholder trust, and deliver on its long-term ambitions,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended the company, formerly known as Lafarge Africa Plc, for its contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development through the delivery of landmark projects across the country.
Highlighting the company’s support for the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi said, “I can talk about Lafarge for a whole day because we have come a long way. Though the company is very strict and of high integrity, I can say that their products are impeccable.
Among dignitaries present at the unveiling were the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey;
representative of the Lagos State Governor, Olufemi Daramola; and representative of the Ogun State Governor, Tokunbo Talabi.
Traditional rulers from Cross River, Gombe and Ogun states, former and current board members, members of the company’s executive committee, captains of industry and other stakeholders also attended the event.
The company noted that although the corporate identity has officially changed, the rollout of branding assets, operational integration and customer-facing communications will continue progressively across all touchpoints to ensure consistency and a seamless experience for stakeholders.
