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Tag: Lafarge

  • Lafarge yet to pay firm N58.7m arbitration award

    Lafarge yet to pay firm N58.7m arbitration award

    Lafarge Africa is yet to pay N58,756,500 to Transnational Haulage nearly four years after an Arbitration panel ordered the cement manufacturing firm to do so, it was learnt yesterday.

    This is two years after a Lagos High Court affirmed the award following an appeal by Lafarge against the Arbitration decision.

    Lafarge had on March 3, 2023 appealed against the affirmation of the award by the Lagos High Court and did not pay the sum to the court registrar pending the outcome of the appeal, which is still pending.

    The dispute is over an agreement, which would have seen the haulage company being responsible for the transportation of cement produced by Lafarge to some parts of Nigeria.

    It was signed on August 15, 2016, with an initial five years life-span.

    It became a subject of litigation less than a year when the transport outfit alleged a breach of contract, prompting it to approach the arbitration panel as contained in the agreement clause.

    The panel awarded N58,756,500 against Lafarge in favour of Transnational.

    Lafarge objected on the grounds that the award contained decisions on matters which are beyond the scope of the submissions made to it; and that the arbitrator went beyond her jurisdiction.

    It appealed before Justice T. A. O. Oyekan of the Lagos High Court, praying the court to hold that it did not breach the agreement.

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    Justice Oyekan struck out Lafarge’s appeal and affirmed the decision of the arbitral panel.

    The judge held: “I refuse the application to set aside the arbitration award. The motion on notice dated December 4, 2019 to set aside the final award fails and is dismissed, and I so hold.

    “It has now become necessary to take urgent steps to enforce the final award to enable the award creditor/applicant to enjoy the fruits of the award.

    “Accordingly, I hold that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements provided under the law to enforce an arbitral award.

    “Therefore, leave is granted to the applicant to enforce the final award dated November 14, 2819 published by the Sole Arbitrator, Mrs. Funmi Roberts with regards to the arbitral matter between Transnational Haulage Limited and Lafarge Africa Plc.

    “The award creditor’s motion on notice dated March 3, 2020 succeeds and is granted accordingly. Leave is granted to the award creditor to enforce the final award dated November 4, 2019 in the sum of N58,756.500.

    “Simple interest thereto at the rate of 12 per cent yearly from November 4, 2019 until full payment is made, which sum is now due and owing to the award creditor/applicant.”

  • Lafarge’s commitment to innovation, others excite governor

    Lafarge’s commitment to innovation, others excite governor

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed Lafarge Africa’s commitment to innovation and development of products that enhance quality of life. 

    He spoke at its launch of a new product, ‘Watershield Cement’ at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, was excited the product was launched in Lagos.

    “We hold the bragging rights this product, like other innovations, is first launched in the Lagos. On behalf of the people, I congratulate the visionary team of Lafarge Africa, on this superb product,” he said.

    Read Also: NIOB, Lafarge to partner on research

     Head of Corporate Communications, Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, noted the  first water resistant cement  represents a huge achievement, offering durability and superior water resistance.

     Frank-Durugbor said the  product is a game-changer, providing longevity and resilience of buildings.

    Chief Executive Officer,  Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the product embodies the company’s spirit of innovation, excellence, and commitment to sustainability, adding it  marks new era in construction.

    Commercial Director, Gbenga Onimowo, said it promises  reliability, durability, and unmatched performance with its innovative formula and unparalleled water resistance.

  • NIOB, Lafarge to partner on research

    NIOB, Lafarge to partner on research

    The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) had called for collaborative research and production of alternative building materials to help the Nigerian building industry in particular and the national economy in general.

    The NIOB past  President,  Kunle  Awobodu made the call when he led a high powered delegation  to Lafarge PLC in Lagos to  explore ways to collaborate and promote mutually beneficial goals for the two organisations  including the nation’s construction industry.

    Awobodu remarked that the NIOB has  a large reservoir of research resources, efforts and outputs. He further said some builders have researched and  are researching on locally available materials that are not producing inferior performance results to the conventional ones.

    One of such areas of research is the use of pozollana, rice husk ash and corn cob ash as a partial replacement in cement.

    Beyond publicising the research efforts and outputs  of researchers in building materials,  Awobodu further said the utilisation of those research outputs in the production of cement will increase affordability,  drive costs down and by the law of large numbers even help the profitability and bottom line of manufacturers making it a win-win to all stakeholders and the society at large.

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    The Chairman of NIOB Research and Development Committee, who is the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka explained that the development of Nigerian standards for such pozollanic cement and other alternative but locally available materials is one of the steps necessary in manufacture and utilisation. Prof Martin Dada who is the Chairman of Association of Builders in Academia further explained that using some of these alternative materials would promote profitability. He painted a scenario to justify sustainability considerations and deconstruction explaining that if a building is demolished,  it takes efforts and resources to relocate the waste generated

    The Country Chief Executive Officer of Larfarge PLC, Khaled El Dokani, welcomed the proposal. He further raised the issue of reuse of items recovered from demolished or deconstructed buildings under some circumstances, thereby promoting sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint or carbon emissions. The two organisations acknowledged that a major challenge to be tackled in introduction of new and good products is getting stakeholders buy-in and managing perceptions of members of the society to take advantages of such products.

  • Lafarge launches road in Cross River

    Lafarge launches road in Cross River

    Lafarge Africa has inaugurated  an evacuation road in Mfamosing, Cross River State, to enhance safety, efficiency, and connectivity for its operations.

    The ceremony was attended by Governor Bassey Otu, council chairman, community leaders, and company’s executives.

    The road, spanning 20 kilometres, is designed to improve transportation efficiency and safety for residents and others.

    Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, chief executive officer, said the need for a safer evacuation road became evident with the shortcoming of the 58km narrow equipment road, which posed risks and logistical challenges.

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     Inaugurating the road, Otu hailed Lafarge for completion of the project, adding it is a testament to  its dedication to infrastructural growth and welfare of host communities.

     He stressed that the project would  enhance connectivity and stimulate growth to improve quality of life.

    Etinyin Mesembe, monarch of Odukpani Traditional Council, who hailed the company, said the road would improve access to essential services and facilitate movement of goods      

  • Lafarge Africa launches green depot

    Lafarge Africa launches green depot

    Lafarge Africa, building solutions company, has launched its first Green Depot in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Speaking at the launch, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, chief executive officer, said: “The Green Depot in Abeokuta embodies our firm belief in the transformative power of sustainable practices. By seamlessly integrating solar energy, electric forklifts, and green mobility solutions, we are setting a new standard for environmentally conscious operations in the cement industry.”

    The firm said the facility is poised to set benchmarks for sustainability with its reliance on solar power.

    It noted the approach translates into substantial energy savings, with a 100 percent reduction in energy consumption for lighting, air conditioning, and electric forklift charging.

    In a commitment to sustainable mechanised loading, the company has replaced traditional diesel forklifts with a state-of-the-art 3-ton electric forklift contributing significantly to the company’s carbon footprint reduction goals.

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    Green mobility further takes centre stage with cement efficiently delivered to the Green Depot through electric trucks from the Ewekoro plant emphasizing the efficiency and sustainability of its supply chain.

    Logistics Director of Lafarge Africa, Osazemen Aghatise, said the Green Depot will enable a seamless connection between operational excellence and environmental responsibility and delivery from the depot not only sets new standards but also contributes positively to its green mobility strategy.

    The firm reiterated its commitment to minimising carbon footprints throughout construction lifecycle, while persistently seeking cutting-edge solutions that seamlessly harmonise business success with environmental responsibility.

  • Ogun hails Lafarge’s contributions to economy

    Ogun hails Lafarge’s contributions to economy

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has hailed Lafarge Africa PLC for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development.

    The governor praised the firm for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including investments in education, health care and community infrastructure with a view to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents.

    During a courtesy visit by the management team of Lafarge Al to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun thanked the firm for its positive contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.

    Acknowledging the company’s longstanding commitment to the local economy, the governor emphasised the crucial role of collaboration with the private sector in addressing the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.

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    Abiodun said the collaboration between Lafarge and the state government enhanced the resilience of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the firm demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of residents through the provision of equipped clinics for COVID-19 patients, medical supplies.

    He assured the company of continued collaboration for the mutual benefit of stakeholders, saying his government was committed to attracting other multinational companies to the state.

    Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the company’s commitment to sustainable development is based on four pillars- circular economy, climate and energy and people for its CSR interventions.

     According to him, the cement-manufacturing firm is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading building material giants dedicated to the sustainable development of every community and every country in which it operates.

  • Ogun, Lafarge seek collaboration

    Ogun, Lafarge seek collaboration

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has emphasized the crucial role of collaboration with the private sector in addressing the challenges of sustainable economic growth and job creation.

    The governor expressed appreciation for the contributions made by Lafarge Africa Plc to the socio-economic development of state. He acknowledged the company’s longstanding commitment to the local economy during a courtesy visit by the management team of Lafarge Africa Plc to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    With over 64 years of presence in Ogun State, Lafarge Africa Plc has played a pivotal role in the state’s economic development, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable growth and community empowerment. The company’s extensive operations and investments have significantly contributed to job creation and overall economic prosperity.

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    Abiodun also commended Lafarge for its impact on industrial activities, providing valuable employment opportunities for residents and fostering skills development. Lafarge’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including investments in education, healthcare, and community infrastructure, underscore its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Ogun State residents.

    The governor noted that the collaboration between Lafarge and the state enhanced the resilience of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lafarge demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of Ogun State residents through the provision of equipped clinics for COVID-19 patients, medical supplies etc.

    Responding, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lafarge, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, highlighted the company’s proud 64-year history of contributing to the economic growth of the Ewekoro axis. The CEO said: “Lafarge is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading building materials giants. A commitment to the sustainable development of every community and every country in which we operate is fundamental, non-negotiable principle in our business.”

    According to Mr. Alade-Akinyemi, the company’s commitment to sustainable development is nested in four pillars- circular economy, climate and energy, and people. Lafarge’s CSR interventions and commitments are carried out under the fourth pillar, “people”.

    Governor Abiodun assured the company of continued collaboration for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders, noting that his government was committed to attracting other multinational companies to the state. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Lafarge’s commitment to contributing to the region’s ongoing development.

  • Lafarge unveils CSR projects

    Lafarge unveils CSR projects

    In a grand celebration marking its 2023 Community Day, Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, has launched a series of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across its operational hubs in Ashaka, Gombe State, Mfamosing, Cross River State, and Ewekoro, Ogun State. This annual tradition underscores Lafarge Africa’s unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate citizenship in Nigeria.

    Amidst cheers and applause, Lafarge Africa revealed a diverse array of CSR projects, each meticulously designed to address specific needs within the host communities. In Ashaka, Gombe State, the company inaugurated a cutting-edge school infrastructure project in Lariski, AnguwanKellumi, and JauroMaza.

    Additionally, Lafarge Africa launched agricultural ecology projects, including the distribution of 900 bags of Urea/NPK for community farmers, and forged a partnership with NAERLS, ABU, Zaria, to establish demonstration farms and conduct sensitization programs. The community also received food palliatives for vulnerable and elderly individuals, scholarships for 50 students in Funakaya/Maiganga, and support for 200 students through the Grema Mustapha Scholarship scheme, each receiving #60,000.

    Further interventions in Ashaka encompassed solar borehole drilling at Emir of Funakaye’s Palace Bajoga, WuroAchama, Sharfuri Maternity, and JalingoAshaka. Lafarge Africa also committed to rural and community roads rehabilitation from workers village to Ashaka-Garri and Lariski and Sabon GariMaza, Pindiga Emir’s palace chamber renovation, clinic conversion to doctors’ quarters, and medical outreach programs benefiting coal mining communities and Funakaye residents.

    In Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State, Lafarge Africa commissioned the Solar Street Lights project at Akwa Ikot Effanga Community and Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The company provided educational support for 100 secondary and 40 tertiary students, provided NYSC support to host community schools, distributed over 10,000 exercise books, and supplied school desks while adopting school projects across host communities’ primary and secondary schools. Healthcare enhancements included equipping health centers with drugs in Abiati, Essien Town, and Akansoko, as well as constructing health worker lodges at Mfamosing community and training centers at EkongAnaku. Community infrastructure projects involved building a town hall at Mbobui, equipping Kasuk training center with modern tools for fashion and design training, and providing portable water in Abiati, Diamond, and Essien Town. Moreover, Lafarge Africa contributed to community livelihood through food and business equipment donations to 150 elders and implemented an Agricecology palm fruits project across host communities.

    In Ewekoro, Ogun State, Lafarge Africa spearheaded a groundbreaking transformational project, focusing on the construction of a 100-meter reinforced concrete road in Alagutan community. Other initiatives included the construction of Itori Magistrate Court Staff Quarters, culvert construction at Wasinmi Alafia, and an ongoing culvert construction at Olapeleke community. The company extended electrification services to the newly relocated OkeokoEgbado community, replaced a 330KVA transformer at OkeokoSekoni and Akinbo communities, and trained and equipped 48 individuals from host communities to establish their businesses. Lafarge Africa also provided business equipment to 192 elders, granted bursaries to support 204 local students enrolled in public tertiary institutions, distributed educational materials to enhance learning standards in public schools, and distributed over 5,000 exercise books to primary and secondary schools in host communities. Healthcare improvements included supplying Papalanto Community Health Centers with essential equipment and medicines, furnishing Elebute Community Health Center Staff Quarters, erecting a fence around the community town hall, renovating and fencing EgbadoAjegunle Health Center, and conducting medical outreach programs.

    The Community Day event drew the presence of esteemed government officials, community leaders, and members of the host communities, all eager to witness the positive transformations brought about by Lafarge Africa’s CSR initiatives. They commended the company for its commitment to the progress and development of their communities, expressing their support and commitment.

    Speaking at the Mfamosing celebration, the Deputy Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr. Peter Odey, represented by the Head of Personal Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Chris Ojekpong, commended Lafarge Africa for its unwavering dedication to community development over the past 16 years. “Over the years, Lafarge, an outstanding beacon of commitment to sustainable and impactful community development has consistently demonstrated its dedication to making a positive impact beyond its realms of influence and profit making. On behalf of the government of Cross Rivers State I want to reiterate our dedication to providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”

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    At the Ewekoro event, Prince Bola Awesu, an indigene and community leader in Ewekoroalso expressed gratitude for the transformative projects, emphasizing the lasting positive effects on the lives of their constituents. “Lafarge Africa has consistently supported our host communities, meeting our needs over the past 12-15 years. In healthcare, they provide facilities and initiatives that have benefited our people, and despite challenging climates, they continue to assist local farmers with essential farm implements. Years back we were given tractors to work on our land. Additionally, the company contributes to education through bursaries and scholarships, which has enabled the less privileged students to complete their studies. In Ewekoro, Lafarge has built a modern town hall and just yesterday commissioned the first secondary school in our vicinity.” According to him, this strategic placement eliminates the need for children in the community to travel long distances for secondary education, benefiting over 20 primary schools in the community.

    During the events, Lafarge Africa Plc.’s Managing Directo/CEO, LoluAlade-Akinyemi, delivered a stirring speech reaffirming the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria. “At Lafarge Africa, community engagement isn’t just an obligation; it’s a deeply ingrained as one of our values in sustainability. Our annual Community Day Celebration is a testament to our dedication to giving back and nurturing sustainable development in the places we call home – Ashaka in Gombe State, Mfamosing in Cross River State, Sagamu in Ogun State as well as here in Ewekoro, Ogun State.”

    Alade-Akinyemi appreciated various state governments, traditional rulers, and the Community Relations Committee for creating an enabling environment for the company’s business. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration and sustainable business practices, stating that Lafarge Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices in Nigeria. “Our dedication to the communities we serve will continue to be a driving force behind our initiatives, ensuring that together, we build not just structures but enduring legacies of progress and prosperity.”

     The transformative projects unveiled during this celebration are poised to leave a lasting legacy, fostering community development and reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices in Nigeria.

  • Lafarge restates commitment to development of host communities

    Lafarge restates commitment to development of host communities

    • •Gives bursary to students, donates classroom, motorcycles, others to residents

    Lafarge Africa PLC  has pledged  its commitment to the development of its host communities in Ogun State. To underscore its pledge, the cement-manufacturing company yesterday  held its community day , tagged: “Lafarge Community Day”, in Ewekoro, where it inaugurated series of community development projects and presented economic empowerment tools to residents of its host communities.

    Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, noted that in commemoration of its 2023 Community Day Celebration, the company inaugurated  several  Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)  projects in its various host communities across the country.

    The CEO ,who was represented by a staff of the company, Titilope Oguntuga, said the event is an annual event by Lafarge Africa to celebrate with its host communities, give back, and demonstrate its commitment to doing sustainable business in Nigeria as a responsible corporate citizen.

    According to him, the community day is celebrated across all the communities where the company has its operations – Ashaka, Gombe State; Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State and Ewekoro, Ogun State.

    He said in Ewekoro, the company had inaugurated several projects in each of the host communities around.

    He said: “These projects are results of meticulous planning and collaboration with community. We have engaged in training and equipping 48 individuals from our host communities with skills and tools to establish their businesses. We have  granted  bursaries to support 204 local students enrolled in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. We also distributed educational materials such as school uniforms and writing supplies to enhance learning standards in public schools within our host communities.

    “The company provided business equipment to 192 elders residing across our host communities, supplies  health centres in Papalanto community with essential equipment and medicines. We constructed  a culvert in Wasinmi Alafia to improve access to the outside world.We furnished  staff quarters at Elebute community’s health centre and erected  a fence around the community town hall.

    The company   built a 100-meter reinforced concrete road in Alagutan community; renovating and fencing the Egbado Ajegunle health centre. It constructed a  staff quarters for the Itori community magistrate court. There is ongoing construction of a culvert in Olapeleke community, while we are  extending electrification services to the newly relocated Okeoko Egbado community.

    “We replaced  a 330KVA transformer at Okeoko Sekoni community and  another 330KVA transformer was given to  Akinbo community.

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    The firm conducted medical outreach programmes and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of the Ewekoro community members. We also  distributed  over 5,000 exercise books to primary and secondary schools in the host communities.”

    Alade-Akinyemi assured that the company would not relent in its efforts at community development, restating its dedication to enduring legacies of progress and prosperity.

    Chairman of the Ewekoro Community Relations Committee, Chief Dotun Oderinde, who was represented  by Rev. Gbemisola Sunday, called on the company to increase budget for CSR as a result of inflation in the country.  He thanked the company for all it has done for the host communities. He urged the company to give more employment opportunities to youths in the communities.

    “The company has been doing well for these communities. Various projects have been launched, many women and youths have benefitted from their CSR programme. Over 200 students are benefitting from their bursary award every year. They give uniforms and notebooks  to indigent pupils in  various schools.

    But, we want Lafarge to increase  its budget for CSR because of  inflation in the country. We need more cooperation in the area of employment of sons and daughters of the community too,” he said.

    Other leaders and residents lauded the company for committing to the progress and development of their communities, while also pledging their support.

    Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the bursary cheque of over N20million   to students of tertiary institutions, distribution of  motorcycles, tricycles, educational materials, agricultural implements,among others.

    The 12 host communities hosting Lafarge include, Olapeleke,Papalanto, Akinbo, Ewekoro,Oke Oko Sekoni, Oke Oko Egbado, Wasinmi Alafia,Olujobi, Elebute, Alaguntan, Egbado Ajegunle and Itori.

  • Environment: Ministry of Environment gives kudos to Lafarge

    Environment: Ministry of Environment gives kudos to Lafarge

    The Minister of Environment,  Mr. Balarade Abbas Lawal has commended Lafarge Africa Plc, for its commitment to Environmental sustainability.

    The Minister gave this commendation during a visit of the company’s management team led by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, LoluAlade-Akinyemi to the minister in Abuja.

    In his welcome remarks, the Minister commended Lafarge Africa for the various awards received over the years in environmental responsibility, referring to it as a testament of the company’s environmental friendliness.

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    According to him, Lafarge Africa’s compliance with rules and regulations makes it  comfortable to come for a courtesy visit, without waiting for the Ministry to come after them to comply.

    He further commended Lafarge Africa for its role as a key player in the cement industry, acknowledging its impact on the nation’s economic growth and development. The Minister highlighted the environmental challenges associated with the cement industry, emphasizing the importance of compliance with environmental regulations.