HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly known as Lafarge Africa Plc, recorded a significant improvement in earnings during the first half of 2026, with profit after tax climbing by 57 per cent to N208 billion. The cement manufacturer disclosed the performance in its financial results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
The company’s profit after tax increased from N132.677 billion in H1 2025 to N208 billion in H1 2026, reflecting stronger operating performance during the period. The company also recorded a 31 per cent increase in net sales, which it attributed to higher sales volumes, improved operational stability and more efficient distribution.
According to the results, sales volumes increased by 11 per cent during the six-month period. The improvement in distribution efficiency and greater operational stability further supported the company’s revenue performance.
Operating profit also rose significantly, increasing by 51 per cent to N291 billion from N192.270 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. The company said sustained efficiency gains across its operations contributed to the improvement. Its operating margin consequently expanded to 43 per cent, compared with 37 per cent in H1 2025.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the performance reflected the successful implementation of the company’s strategic priorities. He attributed the results to disciplined cost management, operational excellence and prudent financial management. Alade-Akinyemi said the company would continue working to strengthen supply reliability while advancing its cost leadership strategy.
He added that HBM Nigeria would focus on innovation, sustainability initiatives and maintaining strong health and safety standards across its operations. According to him, the company intends to build on its current operational momentum by drawing on the industrial and technical expertise of Huaxin Building Materials Ltd. The collaboration, he said, would support further improvements in operational excellence and efficiency.
The company maintained an optimistic outlook for the Nigerian cement market for the remainder of 2026. Alade-Akinyemi said demand was expected to remain positive, supported by continued infrastructure development and urbanisation.
He also pointed to sustained activity within Nigeria’s construction sector as another factor supporting the market outlook. The CEO, however, acknowledged that the business would continue to operate within a dynamic global environment.
Despite the uncertainties, the strong HBM Nigeria profit recorded in the first half suggests that the company has maintained significant earnings momentum, with management positioning the business for further operational improvements in the second half of the year.
