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CEMENTING THE FUTURE: HOW BUA AND EDO STATE BUILT A PARTNERSHIP THAT’S TRANSFORMING LIVES By Jerry Wright-Ukwu

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

FROM DUST TO DEVELOPMENT: HOW BUA CEMENT IS BUILDING A NEW ERA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EDO STATE

~ Jerry Wright-Ukwu

In the quiet, lush landscapes of Okpella, Edo State, a visible transformation is underway. Once a sleepy community, it has become a bustling centre of industrial activity, with BUA Cement Plants at its heart. This is not just a story of cement production; it is a saga of growth, resilience, and an enduring partnership between BUA Cement PLC and the resilient people of Edo State.

It all began in 2008, when BUA Group, under the leadership of Abdul Samad Rabiu, acquired the struggling Edo Cement Company during Nigeria’s Federal Government-led divestment and privatisation exercise. The Edo Cement plant was barely functional, with antiquated equipment and limited output.

BUA Cement’s journey began in 2008 when the BUA Group acquired the struggling Edo Cement Company. At the time, the plant was operating well below capacity, saddled with outdated equipment, limited output, and inefficiencies. For many, it was a symbol of lost potential. But for Rabiu, it was an opportunity to redefine what was possible for Edo State’s industrial landscape – a chance to turn it into a powerhouse. By 2015, after investing over $1 billion, the first line of the Obu Cement Plant was operational, and it quickly became one of Africa’s most advanced cement facilities.

Since then, the company’s financial fortunes have mirrored its operational growth. In 2019, BUA Cement consolidated its operations by merging its subsidiaries, including the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) and Obu Cement Company. The merger streamlined operations and positioned BUA Cement as Nigeria’s second-largest cement producer, with a market share rivalling industry leader Dangote Cement.

The next milestone came in January 2020 when BUA Cement was listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). With an initial market capitalisation of ₦1.18 trillion, it instantly became one of the most valuable companies on the exchange. The listing unlocked access to capital markets, enabling BUA Cement to fund expansions and further strengthen its balance sheet.

Today, BUA Cement’s financial performance is nothing short of stellar. Despite challenges in Nigeria’s broader economic landscape, the company has consistently delivered strong revenue growth and profitability. In the most recent fiscal year, BUA Cement reported revenues exceeding ₦300 billion, driven by increased production capacity and robust demand for cement in Nigeria’s booming construction sector.

While BUA Cement’s financial success is impressive, its contributions to Edo State’s economy go far beyond corporate earnings. The company is one of the state’s largest taxpayers, significantly contributing to Edo’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Challenges, Settlements, and a Renewed Partnership

Despite its success, BUA Cement’s journey in Edo State hasn’t been without challenges. Disputes over ownership, royalties, and mining leases led to legal battles that threatened to overshadow the company’s contributions. These disputes culminated in the 2019 Terms of Settlement, a landmark agreement that resolved all outstanding issues and paved the way for collaboration.

Under the settlement, BUA Cement agreed to pay ₦5 billion in total, including an upfront payment of ₦2 billion and six monthly instalments of ₦500 million. The company also purchased the remaining shares in Edo Cement from minority stakeholders, consolidating its ownership.

“This settlement wasn’t just about resolving disputes,” says a senior government official. “It was about setting the stage for growth for BUA, Edo State, and our people.”

For years, legal battles cast a shadow over what was otherwise a story of progress. The 2019 Terms of Settlement with the Edo State Government, entered into judgment by the courts, ended years of litigation and legal battles. These payments were not merely obligations; they became the foundation for renewed trust and collaboration. The settlement not only resolved the disputes but also bolstered the state’s fiscal capacity, enabling investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, thereby benefiting the community at large.

Building Communities, Not Just Cement Plant

But BUA Cement’s impact goes far beyond the balance sheet. For the people of Okpella and Edo State, it has meant jobs, empowerment, and a sense of belonging. Currently, over 2,000 people are directly employed by the company, with thousands more benefiting indirectly. Women like Efe, who lives in the state capital, Benin, and now runs a thriving cleaning services business, speak of opportunities that were once unimaginable. Thanks to the bustling activity around the plant, farmers like Azeez now have a reliable market for their goods. These are just some of the stories of transformation driven by BUA Cement’s presence.

“BUA is not just a company,” says a community leader in Okpella. “It’s a partner in our growth. We have a community development agreement with them which they faithfully keep to”

BUA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts have also transformed the community. Roads that were once impassable now connect villages and markets. Schools have been renovated, scholarships awarded, and health centers established. Clean water, once a luxury, now flows in homes across Okpella. Additionally, BUA Cement has initiated programs to support local entrepreneurs, promote education, and improve healthcare facilities in the region.

“We don’t just produce cement here,” says a senior executive at BUA Cement. “We build communities.”

The Future of BUA Cement in Edo State

However, beyond production targets and financial milestones, BUA Cement envisions its role as a partner in Edo State’s progress, reaffirming its commitment to the state. “We’re not just here to do business,” says a senior executive at BUA Cement. “We’re here to build a future—one where Edo State thrives alongside us, a future that we are committed to shaping and nurturing.”

As Nigeria’s infrastructure needs to grow, so does the role of BUA Cement. Plans are already underway to expand production capacity to 20 million metric tonnes per annum by 2027, a move that will create even more jobs and economic opportunities. But expansion isn’t just about scaling up; it’s about doing so responsibly. Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with investments in cleaner energy and advanced technologies to reduce emissions, minimise ecological footprint, and ensure its operations align with global sustainability standards.

“We see Edo State as a partner, not just a location for our business,” the executive adds. “Our investment here is long-term. We want to grow together, to ensure that our success translates to prosperity for everyone—government, communities, and businesses alike.”

For residents of Okpella and beyond, BUA Cement is more than a corporate giant; it’s a neighbour, a partner, and a symbol of what is possible when business and community grow together. With its strong financial foundation, unwavering commitment to development, and vision for the future, BUA Cement is not just producing cement—it’s building the foundations of prosperity in Edo State.

For the Edo State Government, the relationship with BUA Cement represents a model for how public and private sectors can collaborate for mutual benefit. While the challenges of the past cannot be forgotten, they serve as a reminder of what can be achieved when both sides commit to a shared vision.

As Okpella continues to grow, the story of BUA Cement is a powerful example of what is possible when vision meets partnership. It’s not just about the cement; it’s about building a future where industry and community thrive side by side. For the people of Edo State, BUA Cement is more than a business—it’s a beacon of what progress can look like, and as the company looks to the future, one thing is clear: its commitment to Edo State remains unshaken. Together, they will continue to write a story of resilience, growth, and shared success.

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Sahara Weekly

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Fidelity Bank grows gross earnings by 38% to N434.95b in Q1

Published

5 days ago

May 27, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows gross earnings by 38% to N434.95b in Q1

Fidelity Bank Plc recorded 37.9 per cent growth in gross earnings to N434.95 billion in first quarter 2026 as the international commercial bank continued to expand its core banking market share.

Interim report and accounts of Fidelity Bank for the three months ended March 31, 2026 released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that gross earnings rose from N315.42 billion in first quarter 20025 to N434.95 billion in first quarter 2026, representing an increase of 37.9 per cent.
The top-line performance was driven by impressive growth in the bank’s core business operations with interest incomes rising by 22.8 per cent to N314.48 billion in first quarter 2026 as against N256.10 billion in first quarter 2025.

With net interest income at N180.97 billion, the bank closed the period with profit before tax of N92.48 billion. After taxes, net profit stood at N74.47 billion for the three-month period. Earnings per share remained high at N5.69, underlining the capacity of the bank to reward its shareholders.

The balance sheet of the bank also emerged stronger. Total assets crossed the N11 trillion mark to N11.35 trillion by March 2026 compared with N10.46 trillion recorded in December 2025. Customers’ deposits increased from N6.89 trillion to N7.38 trillion. Total equity rode on the back of earnings growth to a 27.5 per cent increase from N1.09 trillion in December 2025 to N1.39 trillion by March 2026.

The first quarter 2026 results further consolidated the strong earnings outlook of the bank, which had successfully completed its recapitalisation amidst impressive earnings performance in 2025.
Fidelity Bank had recorded double-digit growths in interest and non-interest incomes as well as key balance sheet items during the year ended December 31, 2025.

The audited report showed that gross earnings rose from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in 2025, an increase of 45.6 per cent. Interest and similar incomes had grown by 38.7 per cent from N803.1 billion in 2024 to N1.11 trillion in 2025. Fees and commission incomes also rose by 44.7 per cent from N78.4 billion to N113.4 billion. The bank recorded net profit after tax of N242.4 billion in 2025.

The bank’s balance sheet emerged stronger with total assets rising by 18.6 per cent to N10.46 trillion in 2025 as against N8.82 trillion in 2024. Customer deposits increased by 16.1 per cent from N5.94 trillion to N6.89 trillion, reflecting continued franchise strength and an improved funding profile. Net loans and advances meanwhile declined by 2.4 per cent to N4.28 trillion in 2025 as against N4.39 trillion in 2024, attributable to customers paying down on their mature obligations.

The bank had in 2025 strengthened its capital position, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy had remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 per cent by December 2025 as against 23.47 per cent by December 2024.

Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the first quarter 2026 results reinforced the bank’s strong and resilient business model.

She noted that with the remarkable success of its recapitalisation programme and continuing expansion, Fidelity Bank has entered a new era of growth and impressive returns.

“We are on a stronger footing and confident that we will set new growth records that are reflective of our legacy and the future we are working on,” Onyeali-Ikpe said.

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FirstBank, Visa Expand Premium Card Portfolio with Visa Signature Launch

Published

2 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

FirstBank, Visa Expand Premium Card Portfolio with Visa Signature Launch

Designed for Nigeria’s affluent segment, Visa Signature unlocks world-class benefits through Visa’s global network across travel, lifestyle, and premium merchant offers.

Lagos, Nigeria – May 15, 2026 – First Bank of Nigeria Limited, in partnership with Visa, has announced the launch of Visa Signature, a premium card offering designed for Nigeria’s affluent segment. The card unlocks an exclusive portfolio of lifestyle benefits, global travel privileges, and curated merchant offers through Visa’s worldwide acceptance network, giving high-spending Nigerians a product built around how they live.

Visa Signature targets Nigeria’s top executives, business owners, and frequent international travelers who expect more from their financial products. Through Visa Global benefits and Visa Destination offers, cardholders gain access to preferential rates, premium experiences, and priority services across hundreds of partner merchants, hotels, airlines, and destinations around the world. The card supports both domestic and cross-border transactions, ensuring seamless payment experiences whether cardholders are in Lagos, London, or Dubai.

Commenting on FirstBank’s ambition for its premium cardholders, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products, FirstBank, said: “At FirstBank, we are dedicated to creating financial solutions that reflect the evolving lifestyles of our customers. We understand that our premium customers aspire to experiences that reflect their global outlook. Visa Signature is crafted to meet those expectations, offering access to exclusive experiences, global connectivity, and lifestyle privileges that empower our customers to live without boundaries. We remain focused on creating value and reinforcing our position as the partner of first choice for Nigerians at home and abroad.”

Highlighting the strategic importance of the FirstBank partnership, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head, West Africa, Visa, noted: “Nigeria’s affluent consumers are among the most active and globally connected spenders on the continent. Visa Signature is designed to serve that profile with the depth of benefits and the breadth of acceptance they deserve. We are delighted to work with FirstBank in making this available to the Nigerian market.”

The launch marks a strategic step for FirstBank in deepening its premium product offering. FirstBank’s existing Visa portfolio already serves millions of Nigerians across everyday retail, cross-border commerce, and online transactions through Visa Infinite, Visa Gold, Naira Credit, and Visa Prepaid cards. Visa Signature adds a dedicated tier for the affluent segment, giving this customer group the recognition and privileges their spending profile demands.

Visa Signature is available to eligible FirstBank customers. Interested customers can visit any FirstBank branch nationwide or contact their dedicated relationship manager to apply.

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government enti

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Tony Elumelu at Africa Forward Summit: “Our Youth Do Not Need Handouts”

Published

2 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Tony Elumelu at Africa Forward Summit: “Our Youth Do Not Need Handouts”

Heirs Holdings Founder tells Presidents Ruto and Macron that Africa wants partners of substance, based on equality, and that power and infrastructure must come first.

At the 2026 Africa Forward Summit, convened by Kenyan President H.E. William Ruto and French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron, Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, delivered a direct message to a room of heads of state, investors, and global business leaders: Africa is open for partnership, not patronage.

“We welcome true partnership — partnerships of substance and based on equity — where Africans and African solutions catalyse Africa’s future”, he remarked.

Elumelu argued that Africa’s transformation hinges on two foundational investments — electricity and infrastructure — and that private capital must do the heavy lifting.

“The private sector is what will help us mobilise capital to drive investment in infrastructure, investment in electricity. These are two critical requirements for the economic prosperity and development of Africa,” he said. “If we create the right operating environment, we will create jobs for our people. We will alleviate poverty and deliver growth and prosperity.”

With more than 65 percent of Africans under 35, Elumelu pushed back hard against the traditional language of aid.

aid.

“In Africa, we have a young population. There is no room for victim mentality. Our youth do not need handouts; they need jobs, they need improved access to electricity, they need to join the internet. What is important is providing this enablement, this infrastructure requirement, so that our young ones can realise their potential.”

His Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has now provided access to training for 2.5 million young Africans and funded over 27,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries — the continent’s largest entrepreneurship platform.

Elumelu signalled openness to every credible partner, regardless of geography.

“It is a good place to be at, as Africans, now. We should embrace those who want to help us catalyse growth in Africa. And let us not forget Africa is the fastest growing region globally – and it is not just demographics” he said.

“In the 21st century, the mindset must change. It should be a mindset that embraces economic prosperity and development, a mindset that creates the environment that will help us alleviate poverty in Africa, create jobs for our young people.”

Tony Elumelu’s participation at the summit aligns with Heirs Holdings’ broader commitment to driving long-term African development through strategic investments across sectors critical to economic transformation, including power, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, and technology.

The 2026 Africa Forward Summit concluded with renewed calls for deeper collaboration between governments, development institutions, and the private sector, as leaders exploredaid.

His Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has now provided access to training for 2.5 million young Africans and funded over 27,000 entrepreneurs across all 546 African countries — the continent’s largest entrepreneurship platform.

Elumelu signalled openness to every credible partner, regardless of geography.

The 2026 Africa Forward Summit concluded with renewed calls for deeper collaboration between governments, development institutions, and the private sector, as leaders explored pathways to accelerate inclusive growth and strengthen Africa’s position within the global economy.