Lafarge Africa Payout Soars Fivefold Amid Profit Surge

In a significant turnaround, Lafarge Africa Plc has proposed a dividend payout over five times higher than the previous year. This follows the release of its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Industry analysts highlight that this move shows strong operational performance and a renewed focus on shareholder value during one of the company’s most profitable years.

According to the annual reports submitted to the NGX, Lafarge Africa’s board has recommended a final dividend of 600 kobo per ordinary share.

This is a huge jump from the 120 kobo paid in 2024. The total dividend payout for 2025 is approximately ₦96.65 billion, compared to ₦19.33 billion the previous year. This fivefold increase has pleased shareholders.

Record Profits Fuel Dividend Upswing

The increased payout follows a year of outstanding financial performance for the cement manufacturer. Net sales increased by about 53 percent to over ₦1 trillion. This was driven by strong growth in volume and improved distribution efficiency across the company’s network.

Profit after tax rose 173 percent to ₦273.1 billion from ₦100.1 billion in 2024. This shows a significant improvement in profits.

Operational excellence also supported the results. Operating profit more than doubled to about ₦392 billion, while profit before tax jumped 170 percent to around ₦411 billion.

Earnings per share rose from ₦6.22 in 2024 to about ₦17 in 2025. Analysts say this performance reflects the strength of the company’s strategic execution, even amid tough economic challenges.

Management’s Perspective

According to reports, Lafarge Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, called the year a defining moment for the company. He credited the success to careful execution of its strategy and a strong focus on creating value.

“Our full-year 2025 results show how effective our four-point strategy has been, alongside disciplined execution and our focus on value creation,” Alade-Akinyemi said in a statement shared with the financials. “Reaching the ₦1 trillion net sales mark is a historic turning point for our company.”

He noted that the significant growth in operating profit and all-around margins reflected “exceptional operating excellence,” and acknowledged the importance of better plant reliability, cost-cutting measures, and deeper market penetration in supporting the company’s financial recovery.

What’s Next for Shareholders

The proposed dividend needs approval from shareholders at Lafarge Africa’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) set for April 30, 2026.

Shareholders registered in the company’s records as of April 3, 2026, are eligible for the payout. It will be distributed electronically to those with completed e-dividend registration.

Market observers indicate that the generous dividend recommendation signals management’s confidence in maintaining profitability and providing steady returns to investors in the future.

With Lafarge Africa now operating at a larger scale and preparing for more productivity improvements, the company looks ready to sustain its leadership role in Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure sectors.