Lafarge Africa Plc has formally adopted a new corporate identity, rebranding as HBM Nigeria Plc after securing regulatory approval from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The development was disclosed in a statement on June 23, 2026, signed by the Company Secretary and Legal Director, Adewunmi Alode, and addressed to the **Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX)**, shareholders, stakeholders, and the investing public.
According to the company, shareholders approved the name change at the Annual General Meeting held on April 30, 2026. The CAC has since issued a new Certificate of Incorporation reflecting the transition from Lafarge Africa Plc to HBM Nigeria Plc.
The company described the move as a strategic step in its ongoing corporate rebranding exercise, aligning the business with its evolved vision and long-term growth objectives. It reassured shareholders that existing share certificates and electronic holdings remain valid and will be updated automatically by its registrars.
The name change follows the reported completion of a **$1 billion acquisition** of the cement manufacturer by Chinese investors, a transaction that reshaped the company's ownership structure.
This is the **fourth major corporate name change** in the company's history. The business originally operated as West Africa Portland Cement Company (WAPCO), one of Nigeria's oldest cement manufacturers. After the acquisition of Blue Circle Industries by Lafarge, it became Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc. In 2014, following the merger of Lafarge and Holcim's African operations, shareholders approved the Lafarge Africa Plc identity.
The rebranding comes on the back of a strong financial performance in 2025. The company reported **revenue of N1.1 trillion**, a 53% increase from N696.8 billion in 2024. **Profit after tax surged 173% to N273 billion**, driven by strong sales volumes, improved plant stability, disciplined cost management, and enhanced distribution efficiency. Operating profit more than doubled to N392 billion, while earnings per share rose from N6.22 to N17.
Industry observers view the transition to HBM Nigeria Plc as part of a broader effort to reposition the company for its next phase of growth while consolidating its presence in Nigeria's competitive cement and building materials market.
