Lafarge hails BIP, restates commitment to long-term investment

Lafarge WAPCO, second largest cement maker in Nigeria, has hailed the backward integration policy (BIP) of the Federal Government, which has consolidated the growth of the industry by moving production capacity to 28 million metric tons by 2013. The firm also reiterates its commitment to investing in the country on long-term basis.

“This phenomenal growth has contributed immensely to the development of our country’s industrial landscape, and it is our hope that we will all join hands in ensuring that we continue on this positive path of growth, rather than take steps that will stiffen competition, limit consumers’ choice and draw back the hands of the clock,’’ said Olusegun Osunkeye, chairman, Lafarge WAPCO, at the 2013 Customer Award ceremony held in Lagos.

Joe Hudson, CEO, Lafarge, expressed the firm’s commitment to long-term investment in the country, assuring cement users and distributors that high quality remained the guiding philosophy of the company.

The event provided an opportunity to reward customers and hard-working staff. El-Alan Construction Company won the most consistent corporate customer award and was rewarded with a six-day trip to watch Nigerian World Cup matches in Brazil. Julius Berger won the best corporate customer in terms of volume, while HFP won the same award in the subcategory of exclusivity.

Nigerite won the award for highest volume in the area of ETEX product, whereas Tredy won the subcategory of special product. Evergreen Award went to Busurat Olayemi Arole, CEO, Iya Miliki, while CCECC went home with an award for Chinese contractor.

Six regional champions including Temitope Oil Nigeria Limited, Oyinbashy Enterprises, Rasheed Ishola Ventures, Aleem Adiat and Sons, Peters Jitobah Nig. Ltd, and Kesmorah and Sons will have their CEOs visit Brazil for the World Cup games, courtesy of Lafarge. Some hardworking staff who distinguished themselves within the year would also watch the soccer fiesta in Brazil.