Booming Demand Lifts Lafarge Africa to ₦97.9bn Profit in Q1 2026
By Umar Auwal, Gombe
Lafarge Africa Plc has posted a strong start to the 2026 financial year, recording a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₦97.95 billion in the first quarter—more than double the ₦48.64 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2025.
The company’s unaudited results also show that net sales rose significantly to ₦334.88 billion, marking a 35 per cent increase from ₦248.35 billion recorded in the same period last year, underscoring robust demand across its operating markets.
The impressive performance was driven by higher sales volumes, improved operational efficiency, and sustained cost discipline across the business.
Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the figures reflect the company’s consistent execution of its growth strategy.
“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 disclosed that operating profit rose sharply by 97 per cent to ₦141 billion, while profit after tax increased by 101 per cent, driven by supply assurance, prudent financial management, and a more efficient route-to-market approach.
Alade-Akinyemi added that the company is leveraging the industrial expertise of its partner, Huaxin Building Materials Ltd, to deepen operational efficiency and unlock further value.
He noted that Lafarge Africa would sustain its focus on disciplined capital deployment and tight cost control as it navigates a gradually improving macroeconomic environment.
According to him, easing economic pressures and reduced global supply chain disruptions have helped boost consumer demand, which in turn supported the company’s volume growth during the quarter.
Looking ahead, the CEO expressed confidence in the outlook of Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure sector, highlighting growing demand across key segments as a major driver of future expansion.
“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 cost optimisation to safeguard margins,” he said.
He appreciated customers and stakeholders for their continued support and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering consistent performance and long-term value.
Lafarge Africa said it will continue to strengthen supply reliability, deepen cost leadership, drive innovation, and advance sustainability initiatives, while maintaining high standards of health and safety across its operations.
