Business
Chinese Govt Partners EKSG On Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project
The Chinese Ambassador gave the assurance on Tuesday when he led experts from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and other Chinese delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Fayemi Ado- Ekiti

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jianchun has assured Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi of the readiness of the Chinese Government to partner with the state in the development of her knowledge Zone project and utilization of nuclear science and technology in developing critical sectors of the State.
The Chinese Ambassador gave the assurance on Tuesday when he led experts from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and other Chinese delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Fayemi Ado- Ekiti.
Ambassador Jianchun, who was also accompanied by the Director General, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Professor Yusuf Ahmed, was in the state for a three day feasibility study of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and how to apply nuclear technology in the development of agriculture, health, biotechnology, education and other critical sectors of the State.
He explained that Ekiti state’s partnership with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is a technological collaboration that would promote understanding on how to peacefully apply nuclear energy to serve the people of the State.
The Ambassador who had 23 years working experience with CNNC, said he was optimistic that the partnership with China in development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project would attract more supports from Chinese community not only in Nigeria but in other places.
He commended Governor Fayemi for providing the foresight and initiative in the development of the knowledge zone and assured that CNNC would provide the technological expertise in developing area.
In his remarks, Governor Fayemi explained that his administration was passionate about knowledge generation, knowledge development and knowledge transmission as well as wealth creation for the benefit of the people of the State.
The Governor added that the state also hold in high esteem its partnership with China, noting that Chinese companies had been very active in the execution of major infrastructural projects in the State.
Dr Fayemi expressed the readiness of the state to explore nuclear energy in the development of agriculture, education, health, biotechnology and whole range of other sectors to the advantage of the entire people of the State.
Fayemi said, “We are very passionate with our link with China. Chinese companies have been very active in our state and we have a number of our projects, including current projects that are being worked on by CCECC particularly we also have other projects being handled by TNJ in the State but we have a very good relationship with CCECC and to that extent you will see some of the projects when you go round.
“We are committed to this, we are passionate about it and I am sure that when we get into full discussion towards the next two days we are going to be able to explore the entire gamut of this efforts, agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare all of those areas that we believe can be of huge advantage to us, we are ready to go, we are very pleased that you are here and we know that this is the beginning of a segment of the continued partnership that we had with yourself and with our own team, NAEC from Abuja.”
Also the Director General of NAEC, Professor Yusuf Ahmed, revealed that China has about 60 percent stake in the entire funding of the project adding that his team had secured major requirements needed for the take-off of the execution of the project.
Business
LAFARGE AFRICA ACHIEVES RECORD SALES OF 697BN; OPERATING PROFIT At 192bN, UP BY 89%; PAT UP BY 96% TO CLOSE AT 100BN

( Net Sales: FY 2024 up 72% YoY benefiting from improved volume; Q4 2024 up 86% vs PY
( Operating Profit: FY 2024 up 89% YoY; Q4 2024 up 103% vs PY
( Operating Margin: FY 2024 28%, up from 25% PY; Q4 2024 31%, up from 28% PY
( Profit After Tax: FY 2024 up 96% YoY, driven by Topline growth; Q4 2024 up 263% vs PY
( Continued focus on Increased product range, Sustainability and Health & Safety
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturers of a range of cement brands has released its audited financial statement, recording a revenue of N696.76Billion for the 2024 financial year. The growth in revenue represents an increase of 72% from N405.50 billion that was recorded in the corresponding period in 2023. A breakdown analysis of the audited result also revealed that operating profit for the company in the financial year ended 2024 grew from N102.02billion in the corresponding period in 2023 to N193.01billion, representing an 89% significant rise.
According to the result released by NGX, the earning per share for the company for the 2024 financial year rose by 96%, moving from 3.17 to 6.22. A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi noted that despite inflationary pressure on purchasing power which has affected the business, the Nigerian Infrastructure and construction sector has witnessed tremendous growth.
Alade-Akinyemi described the company’s outstanding financial performance as a testament to its strong market positioning, strategic initiatives drive on Volume growth, decarbonizing its environment though emission reduction and converting waste into energy.
We also leveraged on innovation and operational efficiency to deliver strong products and solutions into the building market, drive cost improvement, creating a great environment for our people to thrive and delivering value to our stakeholders.
He explained that despite a challenging business environment, the company remained resilient,
leveraging innovation and green growth in line with its sustainability ambitions, while also delivering value to its stakeholders.
”Lafarge Africa Plc remains committed to strengthening its leadership position in offering environmental friendly building solutions, while driving long-term profitability,” he said.
“We maintain our positive outlook for 2025, with market recovery expected to continue at similar growth with 2024. We will continue to maximize volume opportunities across our markets and actively manage our costs. We remain committed to our sustainability ambitions and strategy of ‘Accelerating Green Growth’ through innovative building solutions and delivery of stakeholder value,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to its esteemed customers, employees and all other stakeholders for their commitment, despite the macroeconomic headwinds being experienced in the industry.
-END-
About Lafarge Africa Plc
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Sub-Saharan Africa building solutions company is a member of Holcim Limited, a world leader in building solutions accelerating our world’s green transformation. Listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group, Lafarge Africa is actively participating in the urbanization and economic growth of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.
Lafarge Africa has the widest footprint in Nigeria with cement operations in the South West (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), North East (Ashaka, in Gombe State), South East (Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State) with Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Lafarge Africa has a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5Mtpa.
Lafarge Africa leverages on its innovative expertise to provide value-added products and services solutions in the building and construction industry in Nigeria. Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com.ng
About Holcim
Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 27.0 billion in 2023. Our 63,448 employees are driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet across our regions to improve living standards for all. We partner with our customers to offer the broadest range of advanced solutions, from sustainable building materials ECOPact and ECOPlanet, to our circular technology ECOCycle®, all the way to Elevate’s advanced roofing and insulation systems.
Business
Maintain status quo on subscription prices – FCCPC tells MultiChoice

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, on Thursday directed MultiChoice Nigeria to maintain its current subscription prices pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
It should be recalled that the Pay-TV operator had announced a 21 per cent increase in subscription fees for its DStv and GOtv packages, effective from 1st March 2025.
However, on Tuesday, FCCPC vowed to investigate the price hike, summoning the company’s leadership to explain the circumstances behind the proposed increase.
MultiChoice Nigeria subsequently requested an extension of the date for its appearance before the commission.
In response, FCCPC, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said that while the request had been granted, “the company is now required to attend the rescheduled investigative hearing on 6th March 2025, along with all relevant officers and a comprehensive response.”
“Pursuant to this, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of 27th February 2025, pending the Commission’s review and final determination on the matter.
“Maintaining the status quo on pricing is essential to prevent any potential consumer harm during this period,” the statement added.
Business
Dangote slashes petrol price to N860 per litre in Lagos

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a drop in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), often known as petrol, by N65.00, from N890 to N825 per litre, effective February 27th, 2025.
Under the new system, purchasers in Lagos will pay N860 per liter at MRS stations.
The price adjustment, according to Dangote was designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
This marks the second price reduction of PMS in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60.00 earlier in the month.
Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.
With the latest reduction, the management of the refinery said Nigerians will be able to purchase the Dangote petrol at the following prices in all our partners’ retail outlets.
“For MRS Holdings stations, it will sell for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East respectively.”
“The same product will also be available at the following prices in AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East.”
The company assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand, as well as a surplus for export to enhance the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
It called on marketers to support this initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of this effort.
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