By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has urged HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, to deepen its investment in the state through increased local content participation, expanded corporate social responsibility programmes and greater employment opportunities for qualified Cross Riverians.
The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the call during the official unveiling of the company’s new corporate identity, HBM Nigeria Plc, at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Sunday.
The rebranding marks a major milestone in the company’s transformation following its integration into the Huaxin Building Materials Group of China. Company officials said the transition aligns the business with its new global ownership structure while preserving its longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
Speaking at the event, Odey described Cross River as a longstanding partner of the company and noted that the cement plant located in the state remains the largest cement production facility in Nigeria by size, contributing significantly to industrial growth, job creation and economic development.
He assured the new investors that Cross River possesses vast deposits of limestone and other cement-producing raw materials, stressing that the state has the geological capacity to support substantial expansion in cement production and related industrial activities.
The deputy governor urged HBM Nigeria Plc to prioritise local sourcing of materials, engage indigenous contractors and service providers, and create pathways for qualified Cross Riverians to occupy management positions. He also advocated career development and mentorship programmes aimed at strengthening local leadership capacity within the organisation.
Odey further called for increased corporate social responsibility initiatives, including investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, environmental sustainability and community development projects that directly benefit host communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Otu administration to maintaining a secure and business-friendly environment through infrastructure development, reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and strategic partnerships designed to attract and retain investors.
In his remarks, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the new corporate identity signals a forward-looking phase for the company, driven by operational excellence, innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.
According to him, while the company’s name has changed, its commitment to delivering quality cement, concrete, aggregates and innovative building solutions remains unchanged. He added that the transition would be implemented in phases nationwide to ensure seamless business continuity, sustained investments and stronger value creation for stakeholders.
Chairman of HBM Nigeria Plc, Gbenga Oyebode, expressed confidence that the rebranded company would continue to create sustainable value for shareholders, strengthen stakeholder trust and deliver on its long-term ambitions.
He commended shareholders, management and employees for their support throughout the transition process.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, also praised the company for its contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, describing its products as reliable and of high quality.
The unveiling attracted government officials, traditional rulers, industry leaders and other stakeholders from across the country, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for one of Nigeria’s leading building solutions companies.
