Overview & Corporate Structure

Lafarge Africa Plc is a leading building materials company in Nigeria, publicly listed on the Nigerian Exchange. The company was previously majority-controlled by Holcim, following the global Lafarge-Holcim merger. However, Holcim has agreed to sell its majority stake (around 84%) to Huaxin Cement, a Chinese firm, in a deal expected to conclude in 2025 (pending approvals). This planned sale has sparked legal challenges from some Nigerian minority shareholders.

History & Evolution in Nigeria

The company’s operations in Nigeria date back to 1959. Over time, through mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring, it evolved into Lafarge Africa Plc. In July 2014, it officially changed its name from Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc to Lafarge Africa Plc.

Operations & Manufacturing Footprint
Plant Locations & Capacities

Mfamosing Plant (Cross River State) — One of the most modern facilities, expanded to a total capacity of about 5 million tonnes per annum.

Ashaka Plant (Northeast Nigeria) — Originating from AshakaCem Plc, incorporated in 1974, with production beginning in 1979.

Ewekoro Plant (Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria) — Known for limestone quarrying and cement production.

Distribution & Bagging Hubs — Includes facilities such as the Port Harcourt hub, formerly Atlas Cement’s bulk import and bagging terminal.

Product Lines & Brands

Elephant Cement — general-purpose cement for broad construction uses.

Elephant Supaset — fast-setting cement, popular with block makers.

PowerMax — high-strength cement for contractors.

Etex — specialized for tile manufacturing.

SRC (Sulphate Resistant Cement) — designed for coastal or aggressive environments.

In addition to cement, the company also produces aggregates, ready-mix concrete, mortar, fly-ash, and waste-management solutions through its Geocycle arm.

Financial & Workforce Data

Workforce: around 1,455 employees.

Revenue: estimated at over USD 850 million in recent reporting.

Market: competes with other major Nigerian cement producers such as Dangote Cement and BUA Cement.

Challenges, Risks & Recent Developments
Ownership Change & Legal Disputes

The planned acquisition by Huaxin Cement has triggered opposition from minority shareholders, leading to lawsuits and Senate inquiries in Nigeria. The Federal High Court recently allowed a case challenging the sale to proceed.

Market & Competitive Pressures

The company operates in a market influenced by infrastructure investment, housing demand, foreign exchange fluctuations, and energy costs. Ownership changes may impact strategy and competitiveness.

Regulatory & Environmental Issues

The cement sector faces environmental compliance requirements for emissions and waste, as well as reputational risks tied to global parent companies’ activities.