NGX Chairman Urges Integrity, Cautions Against Risks as Investment Boom Fuels Digital Assets Debate in Lagos

 By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga, has called on investment advisers and portfolio managers to uphold professionalism and guard against emerging risks amid Nigeria’s sustained capital market growth.

Speaking at the 2026 Conference of the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Kwairanga described the current phase of the Nigerian capital market as “exciting,” noting that renewed investor confidence has driven a bullish trend now entering its third year.

The conference, themed *“Fostering Enduring Operating Environment for Digital Assets Trading and Investments: Regulators/Operators’ Perspective,”* brought together key stakeholders across the financial ecosystem to examine the future of digital asset investments in Nigeria.

Kwairanga said recent policy reforms and strategic coordination among government, regulators, and market operators have contributed to improved investor sentiment.

“These are exciting times for the Nigerian capital market ecosystem, as recent policy decisions have reignited confidence and sustained a bullish trend,” he said.

However, he cautioned that periods of rapid growth often come with hidden dangers, warning investors and professionals against complacency.

“It is easy for investors to get carried away when asset prices keep rising and assume there are no risks. This is also a time when dubious investments and unqualified advisers tend to emerge,” he added.

The NGX Chairman stressed the need for members of the association to distinguish themselves through integrity, competence, and adherence to professional ethics. According to him, investment advisers must prioritize clients’ interests, maintain objectivity, and avoid conflicts of interest.

“You must demonstrate loyalty, prudence, and care in your dealings. When you uphold these values consistently, your credibility will grow, and so will your business,” he said.

Kwairanga also challenged the association to increase its visibility and influence within Nigeria’s financial sector, urging it to deepen engagement in policy discussions and organize more capacity-building initiatives.

> “You should not rest on past achievements. Your voice must be heard wherever investment and portfolio management issues are being discussed,” he noted.

On the growing relevance of digital assets, he commended the conference organizers for choosing a timely theme, describing the sector as both promising and widely misunderstood, particularly among young investors.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that deliberations at the conference translate into actionable recommendations.

> “Your discussions should be comprehensive and reflected in a communique to be shared with regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Exchange Group for implementation,” he said.

Kwairanga further praised the association’s collaborative approach with other industry players, noting that such partnerships are essential for sustainable growth and reduced friction within the investment ecosystem.

He expressed confidence in the leadership of the association under its president and chairman of council, Alhaji Yusuf Modibbo, describing him as an experienced professional with deep industry knowledge.

The NGX Chairman concluded by wishing participants a productive conference, expressing optimism that outcomes from the gathering would strengthen Nigeria’s investment landscape, particularly in the evolving digital assets space.

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.