FG Commends Lafarge Africa’s Commitment to Sustainability

The federal government has commended Lafarge Africa Plc, for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal gave this commendation during a courtesy visit of the company’s management team led by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, to the minister in Abuja recently.

In his welcome remarks, Lawal commended Lafarge Africa for the various awards received over the years in environmental responsibility referring to it as a testament of the company’s environmental friendliness.

According to him, Lafarge Africa’s compliance with rules and regulations makes it comfortable to come for a courtesy visit, without waiting for the Ministry to come after them to comply.

He further commended Lafarge Africa for its role as a key player in the cement industry, acknowledging its impact on the nation’s economic growth and development. The Minister highlighted the environmental challenges associated with the cement industry, emphasizing the importance of compliance with environmental regulations.

The minister urged Lafarge Africa to fully comply with regulations such as the National Environmental (Non-metallic minerals manufacturing industries sector) Regulations and the National Action Plan for mercury reduction in the cement sector. He encouraged the adoption of modern, cleaner production and energy-efficient technology to align with global best practices.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Alade-Akinyemi extended warm congratulations to the Minister on his recent appointment, expressing confidence in the Minister’s leadership to drive the Ministry’s objectives. Emphasizing Lafarge Africa’s commitment to responsible operations and environmental sustainability, he highlighted the company’s role in the Nigerian construction and infrastructure development sectors over its 60-year history.

He said, “As a key stakeholder, we share in the vision in ensuring manufacturing companies like ours operate responsibly, minimize their impact and contribute to the overall sustainability of the environment. We are confident that under your leadership the ministry will continue to attain its objectives.”

Acknowledging the crucial role of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Alade-Akinyemi appreciated the unwavering support in facilitating the approval of pivotal projects aimed at enhancing Lafarge Africa’s environmental sustainability initiatives.