Lafarge Africa Plc has posted a net sales of N248.4 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, according to the company’s latest financial reports.
This represents an 80 percent year-on-year increase when compared to N137.8 billion recorded in the same period last year.
The strong revenue growth was attributed to improved production output, enhanced operational efficiency, and a broader product portfolio.
The company’s operating profit surged by 137 percent year-on-year to N71.66 billion, driven by topline growth and disciplined cost management.
Operating margin expanded to 29 percent, up from 22 percent in Q1 2024, reflecting improved scale and operational leverage.
Most notably, profit after tax jumped 837 percent to N48.64 billion, compared to N5.19 billion in the corresponding period of 2024.
The surge in profitability was also supported by the absence of foreign exchange losses, as the Naira stabilised during the period under review. Earnings per share increased to N3.02, up from N0.32 aligning with the profit trajectory.
Strategic Highlights
The growth is a direct outcome of Lafarge’s strategy to strengthen market positioning through innovation, sustainability and cost efficiency.
In Q1, the company launched Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC), a versatile additive used in multiple industries including construction, for enhancing concrete workability and reducing carbon content.
Additionally, Lafarge is expanding the rollout of ECOPlanet, its low-carbon cement brand, to the Western Nigerian market in Q2 2025, following a successful launch in the East in 2024.
This aligns with the company’s decarbonization goals and long-term environmental commitments.
The company also continued its investment in calcined clay, a low-carbon input used in cement production, aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions across its operations.
Management Commentary
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, CEO of Lafarge Africa, stated:
“We achieved solid financial results in Q1, with net sales growth of 80 percent, operating profit up 137 percent, and profit after tax reaching N48.6 billion. This strong performance reflects our strategic focus on innovation, operational excellence, and market leadership.”
He added that the company remains resilient despite macroeconomic challenges and is committed to delivering stakeholder value through green growth initiatives and innovative building solutions.
Market Outlook
Lafarge Africa remains optimistic about the Nigerian infrastructure and construction sector, projecting continued growth despite inflationary pressures.
The company plans to maximize volume opportunities, actively manage costs, and stay focused on sustainability as a core strategic pillar under its “Accelerating Green Growth” agenda.
Q1 2025 Key Financials:
Conclusion
Lafarge Africa’s Q1 2025 results mark one of its strongest quarters on record, underpinned by robust sales growth, margin expansion, and transformational sustainability investments.
The performance reinforces the company’s leadership in Nigeria’s cement industry and positions it for continued success across the rest of the financial year.
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