HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, recorded a 57 per cent increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) to N208 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with N132.677 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The cement manufacturer disclosed the figures in its financial results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The performance reflects stronger sales, increased volumes and improved operational efficiency during the six-month period. The HBM Nigeria profit growth came alongside a 31 per cent increase in net sales in H1’26. According to the company, the rise was driven by an 11 per cent increase in sales volume, enhanced operational stability and improvements in distribution efficiency.
Operating profit also recorded significant growth during the period, rising by 51 per cent to N291 billion from N192.270 billion in H1’25. The company said sustained efficiency gains across its operations supported the improvement in operating profit. Its operating margin also increased to 43 per cent in H1’26, compared with 37 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025.
Commenting on the financial performance, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, attributed the results to the execution of the company’s strategic priorities.
“Our H1 2026 performance demonstrates the continued strength of our business and the successful execution of our strategic priorities. These results reflect disciplined cost management, operational excellence, and prudent financial stewardship. We are focused on further improving supply reliability, advancing our cost leadership agenda, driving innovation, accelerating our sustainability initiatives, and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety.”
The company said it intends to sustain its operational momentum during the remainder of the year. Alade-Akinyemi said HBM Nigeria would leverage the industrial and technical expertise of Huaxin Building Materials Ltd to improve operational performance and efficiency across the business.
The outlook for the Nigerian cement market also remains positive, according to the company. Alade-Akinyemi said continued infrastructure development, urbanisation and activity within the construction sector were supporting demand despite changing conditions in the global operating environment.
He said: “Nigeria’s demand outlook for cement remains positive, supported by ongoing infrastructure development, urbanization, and resilient activity across the construction sector, despite a dynamic global operating environment”. The HBM Nigeria profit performance comes amid continued efforts by cement manufacturers to manage production costs, improve distribution and respond to demand from Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
The company’s H1 results indicate that improved operational efficiency and higher sales volumes contributed significantly to its stronger earnings during the period, while management maintains a focus on supply reliability, cost leadership, innovation and sustainability for the rest of 2026.
