Breaking Barriers: 15 Women Become Certified Truck Drivers in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

In a move that is reshaping Nigeria’s logistics landscape, Lafarge Africa Plc has graduated 15 female truck drivers under its flagship Women on Wheels programme, along with five community drivers.

The colourful ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ashaka Cement Plant, marked the end of an intensive six-month training program designed to equip participants with the skills needed to safely operate heavy-duty vehicles in the country’s demanding construction sector.

The newly certified drivers underwent rigorous instruction covering advanced vehicle handling, defensive driving, fuel efficiency, and safety protocols.

The program is not only helping to bridge the shortage of qualified drivers; it is also promoting safe roads and challenging long-standing gender stereotypes in the industry.

Representing the state government, Deputy Governor Mannasseh Jatau praised the initiative, describing it as a powerful example of how private sector investments can transform lives.

He noted that empowering women through such programmes creates opportunities that ripple across communities.

“This initiative demonstrates a strong dedication to addressing genuine societal issues while providing women with the opportunity to excel in unconventional roles,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the graduation as a moment of pride and progress. He said the program is redefining what’s possible in the logistics value chain and proving that excellence is not defined by gender.

“You have broken barriers and stepped into a space many thought was out of reach. Carry this achievement with confidence and continue to represent excellence,” he told the graduates.

Also speaking, the company’s logistics director, Osazemen Aghatise, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, noting that it has created a growing network of over 100 female drivers across Lafarge operations nationwide.

“This programme is about creating access and building capacity. It is proof that when given the opportunity, women can excel in any field,” he said, while urging the graduates to uphold strict safety and professional standards.

The managing director of Ashaka Cement Limited, Ibrahim Aminu, described the milestone as significant not only for the company but also for the entire North-East region.

According to him, integrating the new drivers into operations will boost efficiency while addressing workforce gaps, particularly by ensuring that there are enough qualified personnel to meet the demands of the growing transportation sector.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, the best graduating driver, Judith Baka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the training has opened a new chapter in her life and career.

The event drew notable guests, including the Emir of Funakaye, Yakubu Kwairanga, and the Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander in Gombe, Samson Kaura, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.

Since launching the Women on Wheels initiative in 2019, Lafarge Africa has trained over 100 female truck drivers, steadily building a more inclusive workforce and setting a new standard for gender participation in Nigeria’s construction and logistics sectors.

Lafarge Africa Breaks ₦1 Trillion Barrier as 2025 Profit Soars by 170%

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Lafarge Africa Plc has posted a historic financial performance for the 2025 financial year, crossing the ₦1 trillion revenue mark for the first time as profit figures surged sharply on the back of operational efficiency and strong market demand.

The cement manufacturer reported revenue of ₦1.1 trillion, representing a 53 per cent increase from the ₦696.8 billion recorded in 2024. The milestone underscores the company’s growing footprint in Nigeria’s building and construction sector.

Profit Before Tax climbed by 170 per cent to ₦411 billion, while Profit After Tax rose significantly from ₦100.1 billion in 2024 to ₦273 billion in 2025 — a 173 per cent leap.

Operating profit also strengthened, rising from ₦193 billion to ₦392 billion, driven by strong revenue growth and sustained cost-efficiency measures. Earnings per share increased from ₦6.22 to ₦17, reflecting improved returns to shareholders.

The company attributed the strong performance to higher sales volumes, disciplined cost optimisation, improved plant reliability, enhanced distribution networks, retail expansion and prudent financial management.

Speaking on the results, the Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described 2025 as a defining year for the company.

“Our full-year results demonstrate the strength of our four-point strategy and disciplined execution. Crossing the ₦1 trillion net sales threshold represents a historic achievement for Lafarge Africa. The substantial growth in operating profit and profit after tax reflects our focus on operational excellence, efficiency and long-term value creation,” he said.

Alade-Akinyemi expressed optimism about the company’s outlook for 2026, noting that collaboration with Huaxin would further strengthen industrial capacity and market positioning.

“We remain prudent in capital allocation and cost management, while strategically positioning the business to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Our scale, resilience and strategic clarity provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth,” he added.

The CEO also thanked employees, customers, investors and other stakeholders for their continued support, noting that their partnership reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering consistent value.

As part of its growth drive, Lafarge Africa recently unveiled plans to expand its Ashaka cement plant in Gombe State and its Sagamu plant in Ogun State. Upon completion, the Ashaka plant’s capacity will rise to two million tonnes per annum, while Sagamu’s capacity will increase to 3.5 million tonnes annually. The expansions are expected to raise the company’s total installed production capacity to 14 million metric tonnes per annum.

Looking ahead, the company said its priorities for 2026 include improving capacity utilisation, deepening sustainability practices, strengthening value creation and maintaining industry-leading health and safety standards.

With its latest performance, Lafarge Africa has reinforced its position as a major player in Nigeria’s cement industry, setting a new benchmark for growth and profitability in the sector.

Lafarge Africa Commends Nationwide Distributors with Premium Rewards in Lagos

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Lafarge Africa Plc has celebrated its top-performing customers and transporters at the 2025 Customer and Transporter Awards, recognising outstanding contributions that have strengthened its market presence across Nigeria.

The colourful ceremony, held on February 21 at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together major stakeholders, industry players and government officials to honour partners whose dedication has driven the company’s commercial success.

Among dignitaries present were the Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, and the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, alongside members of the Lafarge Africa Board including Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, Mrs. Olusola Oworu and Mrs. Elenda Osima-Dokubo, as well as management and staff of the company.

The annual awards, regarded as a highlight of Lafarge Africa’s commercial calendar, celebrate customers and transporters who ensure the company’s cement and building solutions reach markets nationwide. The 2025 edition spotlighted resilience, integrity and performance in a challenging economic environment.

Elder Ubong Bassey Obot of Ubotex Nigeria Limited emerged as the National Volume Champion, clinching the star prize — a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser. Igwe Cosmas Ezeumeh Chizoba of C.C. Umeh and Sons Limited secured first runner-up with a 2026 Toyota Prado, while Chief Etim Effiong Okon of Batoframoje Enterprises took second runner-up, receiving a 2026 Toyota Fortuner.

In the transport category, B.I.G MultiQuest Nigeria Limited was named National Winner, Best Transporter, and went home with a 2026 Toyota Hilux.

Two National Growth Champions were rewarded with 15KVA generating sets, while four regional champions each received Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Other prizes presented during the ceremony included a Changan CS55, GAC S3, Hyundai Creta cars, 13KVA solar inverters, 80-inch Hisense televisions and deep freezers.

Welcoming guests, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, expressed appreciation to partners for their unwavering support and loyalty.

He said the company’s achievements in 2025 were closely tied to the strength of its partnerships, noting that Lafarge Africa expanded its retail footprint, enhanced customer experience and strengthened its ready-mix operations during the year. He added that the company also introduced innovative products such as Ecoplanet Elephant and Ecocrete, low-carbon cement and concrete solutions aimed at promoting sustainability in the building sector.

According to him, these milestones would not have been possible without the trust, market insights and consistent backing of customers and transporters.

Also speaking, Commercial Director Gbenga Onimowo described customers and transporters as “trade champions” whose commitment and belief in the company’s products have sustained its leadership in the industry. He noted that the awards were designed not only to recognise excellence but also to inspire greater achievements.

Similarly, Logistics Director Osaze Aghatise commended transport partners for serving as the vital link between the company and its customers, ensuring efficient delivery and nationwide availability of products. He said the recognition was both a celebration of performance and a motivation to maintain high standards.

The ceremony featured the presentation of multiple award categories, lively entertainment and networking opportunities, underscoring the spirit of collaboration that continues to define Lafarge Africa’s relationship with its trade partners.