HBM Nigeria Plc, the country's newest cement company formerly known as Lafarge Africa Plc, has announced that an ongoing production expansion will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, with vacancies already open at two of its plants in Ogun and Gombe states.
CEO Confirms Job Openings at Sagamu and Ashaka Plants
Chief Executive Officer Lolu Alade-Akinyemi stated this over the weekend during a media parley in Lagos, saying the company is scaling up operations at its Sagamu plant in Ogun State and its Ashaka plant in Gombe State. The expansion is expected to add 4.5 million tonnes to the company's annual cement production capacity by January 2027, according to Punch reports.
Alade-Akinyemi said: "What does this come with? It comes with employment opportunities. There are so many vacancies we're trying to fill in Sagamu and Ashaka. It means youth empowerment. It also means diversity and inclusion that we are very passionate about, creating opportunities for women. Beyond the direct employment, we are creating jobs for SMEs, developing suppliers and supporting local contractors."
Rebrand Following Chinese Acquisition
The company was previously known as Lafarge Africa Plc before China's West China Cement Group acquired a controlling stake, prompting the name change to HBM Nigeria Plc. Alade-Akinyemi described the transition as the start of a new growth chapter built around operational excellence, sustainability and infrastructure development.
He said: "It is therefore my pleasure to formally introduce HBM Nigeria Plc. This transition reflects our partnership with West China Building Materials following the acquisition of the controlling stake in Lafarge Africa Plc. More importantly, it represents a new chapter of our growth, one that is defined by operational excellence, sustainability, innovation, infrastructure development and stronger collaboration across our business."
Product Range and Environmental Focus
The CEO also highlighted the company's product range, which includes cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, mortar products and an environmentally friendly cement that produces roughly 30% lower carbon emissions than conventional alternatives. He linked the expansion to Nigeria's growing appetite for infrastructure, particularly concrete road construction, saying increased local supply would help the country meet that demand without straining the market.
Reassurance to Stakeholders
Alade-Akinyemi used the occasion to reassure customers and shareholders that the rebrand does not alter the company's standards or direction. He stated: "I want to assure all our stakeholders that while our name has changed, our purpose remains the same. The values that have defined this company over the past 67 years remain firmly intact. We are the same trusted organisation, now operating under a new identity that reflects our aspirations for the future."
Government Calls for Lower Cement Prices
Earlier, the federal government urged cement manufacturers to reduce prices, warning that prevailing prices were impacting infrastructure projects and escalating demands for contract variations. Discussions are ongoing to address consistent price hikes.
