HBM Nigeria Plc has unveiled a post-rebranding expansion strategy that will add 4.5 million tonnes to its annual cement production capacity by January 2027, positioning the company to meet rising demand from infrastructure and construction projects while assuring investors that the transition from Lafarge Africa Plc will not affect product quality or shareholder value.
The company also completed the final phase of its corporate transition on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), changing its trading symbol from WAPCO to HBMNG to align with its new corporate identity. The new ticker automatically applies to all existing shareholdings without requiring any action from investors and does not affect ownership rights or the value of their investments.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Mr Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the expansion would see new cement plants at Ashaka and Sagamu inaugurated in January 2027, significantly increasing the company’s production capacity.
“We’re making significant progress. In January 2027, we will inaugurate both the Ashaka and Sagamu plants. This expansion will add 4.5 million tonnes to our production capacity, improve product availability and strengthen our ability to serve customers across key markets,” he said.
According to Alade-Akinyemi, the projects have progressed faster than the industry norm because of the engineering expertise and in-house equipment manufacturing capabilities of HBM Group, following the company’s integration into China’s Huaxin Group.
The expansion comes as cement manufacturers position for stronger demand from federal and state infrastructure projects, housing development and industrial construction, where the adoption of concrete pavement is expected to increase demand for cement and other building materials.
Beyond expanding output, the projects are expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate local supply chains and strengthen the company’s presence across Nigeria’s building materials market.
Alade-Akinyemi said the company’s new identity reflects a renewed focus on operational excellence, innovation and sustainability while maintaining its long-standing commitment to quality and customer service.
HBM Nigeria also sought to reassure customers and investors that the rebranding represents a change in corporate identity rather than products or standards.
Head of Marketing, Mrs Oluyomi Moses, said all established cement brands and building solutions would retain their names and quality.
“The impact of the name change on our products and solutions is zero. Nothing has changed. Our product brands remain the same, and our quality remains the trusted quality Nigerians have relied on for decades,” she said.
She added that the company would continue expanding its portfolio of low-carbon cement products and EcoCrete ready-mix concrete as part of its strategy to support environmentally sustainable construction and reduce carbon emissions.
HBM Nigeria said the rebranding marks the beginning of a new phase of growth anchored on capacity expansion, operational efficiency, sustainable manufacturing and stronger support for Nigeria’s infrastructure and housing development, as it seeks to consolidate its position among the country’s leading building materials producers.