NGX Backs Lafarge Africa Rebrand as Signal of Industrial Growth, Competitiveness

The Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, has described the rebranding of Lafarge Africa Plc as a reflection of the growing need for Nigerian companies to continuously reinvent themselves to remain competitive in an evolving global business environment.

Speaking at the company’s name change unveiling ceremony, Kwairanga said the transformation represented more than a change in corporate identity, noting that it signalled a renewed commitment to growth, innovation and long-term value creation.

According to him, the move highlights how leading companies are repositioning themselves to respond to shifting market realities while sustaining their contributions to economic development.

“This unveiling is not only a corporate milestone; it is also a signal of how companies are increasingly evolving to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global industrial landscape,” he said.

Kwairanga congratulated the board, management, employees and shareholders of the company, describing the transition as a defining moment in its corporate journey.

He noted that while the company’s identity may be changing, its legacy as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial firms remains intact.

“A name represents more than identity; it reflects heritage, values and strategic intent. While today marks a change in identity, it equally represents continuity, the continuation of Lafarge Africa’s legacy, its contribution to Nigeria’s industrial development, and its enduring commitment to building solutions that deliver lasting economic and social impact,” he said.

The NGX chairman said the company’s evolution reinforces the important role of the capital market in supporting business transformation, capital formation and long-term economic growth.

He noted that listed companies must continue to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions in order to remain relevant and create sustainable value for investors.

“The capital market thrives when businesses demonstrate the vision and courage to transform. Companies that continue to innovate and reposition themselves reflect the resilience required to succeed in an increasingly dynamic global environment,” Kwairanga stated.

According to him, Lafarge Africa’s journey within the Nigerian capital market demonstrates how publicly listed companies can evolve while maintaining strong corporate governance, transparency and stakeholder engagement.

He added that such principles remain critical to sustaining investor confidence and deepening Nigeria’s capital market.

The NGX chairman also linked the company’s transformation to Nigeria’s broader economic ambitions, particularly the drive to expand infrastructure and strengthen industrial competitiveness.

“As Nigeria continues to prioritise infrastructure expansion and industrial competitiveness, companies like Lafarge Africa remain central to translating national ambition into tangible development outcomes,” he said.

Kwairanga further stressed that sustainable growth requires organisations to continually reassess their market positioning and align their strategies with changing economic realities.

“This new chapter is also a reminder that sustainable growth requires continuous reinvention. Organisations must constantly reassess their positioning, redefine their ambition and align their strategy with changing global realities,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the new corporate identity would usher in another phase of growth and leadership for the company, while strengthening its contribution to Nigeria’s industrial sector and capital market ecosystem.

At the same time, he reaffirmed NGX Group’s commitment to supporting listed companies by providing platforms that facilitate capital raising, encourage innovation and connect businesses with long-term investment opportunities.

“We are confident that this new identity will mark not just a change in name, but a renewed phase of growth, leadership and value creation within Nigeria’s industrial and capital market ecosystem,” Kwairanga said.