Lafarge Africa posts N97.95bn PBT as sales soar, costs fall

By Chukwuma Umeorah

Lafarge Africa Plc has reported a 101 per cent increase in profit after tax (PAT) for the first quarter of 2026, rising to N97.95 billion from N48.64 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, supported by higher sales volumes and tighter cost management.

Net sales also grew by 35 per cent to N334.88 billion in Q1 2026, compared to N248.35 billion in the same period last year, reflecting improved demand and operational stability across its markets. The company said operating profit rose sharply by 97 per cent to N141 billion, driven by revenue growth, efficiency improvements and cost discipline across its operations.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the performance reflected the company’s strategic execution and operational gains. “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. Operating Profit increased by 97 per cent to N141 billion, while profit after tax rose by 101 per cent to N98 billion, driven by supply assurance, disciplined cost management, and improved route-to-market. These results underscore our continued focus on delivering sustainable value to our shareholders,” he said.

Alade-Akinyemi added that improved volumes were supported by easing macroeconomic pressures and reduced global supply chain disruptions, which helped strengthen consumer demand across key segments. He said the company would continue to rely on its technical partnership with Huaxin Building Materials Ltd to improve efficiency and operational performance, while maintaining a focus on disciplined capital deployment.

He also noted that Lafarge Africa remains positioned to benefit from demand in Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure sectors, adding that the company would continue to prioritise cost optimisation and volume growth. “We anticipate continued market expansion from Nigeria’s infrastructure and construction sector demand, underpinned by improving economic fundamentals and demand across key segments. Within this context, we remain focused on capturing volume growth opportunities across its operating markets, while maintaining disciplined cost optimization initiatives to safeguard margins amidst global tensions,” he said.

The company said it will continue to focus on supply reliability, cost leadership, innovation and sustainability, while maintaining strong health and safety standards across its operations.