One of Nigeria's most recognisable industrial names has been retired. In its place stands a new corporate identity that signals the arrival of a new Asian shareholder and a new strategic chapter in Nigeria's cement and building materials sector.
Lafarge Africa Plc has officially changed its name to HBM Nigeria Plc, marking a major milestone in the company's transformation and strategic realignment following changes in its shareholder structure. The new corporate identity was unveiled at a ceremony in Lagos attended by government officials, industry leaders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders from across the country.
The ownership story behind the rebrand is the most consequential element of the transition. China's Huaxin Cement acquired a controlling 83.81% stake in Lafarge Africa Plc from the Holcim Group for roughly $1 billion. The deal, finalised in late 2025, marks Holcim's complete exit from Nigeria as it refocuses on other markets, with Huaxin aiming to expand its footprint in Africa.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said the rebranding signals a new phase in the company's growth while preserving its longstanding commitment to Nigeria's economic and infrastructure development: "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."
He added that the company remains focused on delivering quality cement, concrete, aggregates, and innovative building solutions that support infrastructure development, housing growth, and industrialisation, and that the transition to HBM Nigeria Plc will be implemented through a structured, phased process across the company's nationwide operations with seamless business continuity.
Chairman Gbenga Oyebode was equally emphatic about continuity: "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."
Minister of Works David Umahi attended the unveiling and commended the company for its contributions to infrastructure development across Nigeria: "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."
The rebranding marks the fourth corporate name change in the company's history, from its original identity as West Africa Portland Cement Company to Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, then Lafarge Africa Plc in 2014, and now HBM Nigeria Plc.
For Nigeria's construction and real estate sector, the identity change carries practical significance beyond nomenclature. Huaxin Cement, one of China's largest cement producers, brings production technology, global procurement networks, and capital deployment capacity that could accelerate plant expansion and capacity upgrades across the company's facilities in Ogun and other states. Whether the Chinese parent invests in the growth that the Nigerian market's urbanisation and infrastructure pipeline demands will be the more consequential story to watch in the months ahead.
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