Lafarge Africa Plc has proposed a sharp increase in dividend payout to shareholders for the 2025 financial year, as the board of directors recommended a gross dividend of 600 kobo per ordinary share, five times higher than the 120 kobo paid in 2024.
According to the annual reports filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited, this proposed total dividend payout for 2025 stood at about N96.65bn compared with N19.33bn a year earlier.
The final dividend of 600 kobo per unit of 50 kobo ordinary share will be paid to shareholders whose names are in the Register of Members as at the close of business on Friday, 3 April 2026.
The PUNCH reports that the proposed dividend remains subject to approval by shareholders at the company’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for 30 April 2026.
The sharp rise in the dividend payout had been powered by net sales for FY 2025, which went up 53 per cent to N1.07tn from N696.76bn, supported by volume growth, enhanced plant stability, and improved distribution efficiency. Operating Profit rose 103 per cent to N392bn, reflecting strong top-line momentum and continued execution on cost and efficiency initiatives.
Profit After Tax appreciated 173 per cent to N27bn; underpinned by volume-led revenue growth and cost optimisation across operations.
Commenting on the results, Lafarge Africa Chief Executive Officer Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said the full-year 2025 results were a testament to the effectiveness of the group’s four-point strategy, disciplined execution, and relentless focus on value creation.
“Reaching the N1tn net sales threshold, a 53 per cent year-on-year increase, marks a historic turning point for our company. With a 103 per cent surge in operating profit to N392 bn and margins widening to 37 per cent, we have demonstrated exceptional operating excellence. This 173 per cent growth in Profit After Tax is the direct result of our focus on plant reliability, operational efficiency, and commitment to shareholder value,” he said.
Looking ahead, Alade-Akinyemi added that with Huaxin’s (Huaxin Building Materials Group Co., Ltd. is an international investor holding Lafarge Africa’s shares) collaboration and industrial expertise, “we are excited about the year 2026 and the opportunities ahead. We maintain a prudent and agile approach to capital allocation and cost management while positioning the business to capitalise on emerging market opportunities. Our resilience, operational scale, and strategic clarity provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth and enhanced shareholder value.
“I appreciate the continued trust of our employees, customers, stakeholders, and investors, whose partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering resilient performance and superior value creation.”
The PUNCH reports that Holcim, the previous majority shareholder, announced on 1 December 2024 that it had signed an agreement to sell its entire 83.81 per cent stake in Lafarge Africa Plc to Huaxin Building Materials Group Co., Ltd. The transaction was approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on 25 July 2025.