Omobolaji Adekunle
In a bold step toward sustainable construction, Lafarge Africa Plc has launched EcoCrete, Nigeria’s first low-carbon ready-mix concrete. The innovative product, now fully in production at the company’s Abuja Ready-Mix (RMX) plant, offers at least 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional CEM I concrete—without compromising on strength, durability, or workability.
As part of Lafarge’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable building practices, EcoCrete joins the company’s growing portfolio of eco-friendly construction solutions. The launch also positions Lafarge Africa at the forefront of Nigeria’s transition toward greener infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, emphasized the significance of EcoCrete in the company’s decarbonization strategy.
“The introduction of EcoCrete is another bold step in our mission to empower customers to build better with less. It expands our sustainable product offering and reinforces our commitment to decarbonizing Nigeria’s construction sector,” he said.
Aligned with Lafarge’s successful EcoPlanet cement products—Unicem and Elephant—EcoCrete marks the latest innovation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of construction materials.
Derek Williamson, Head of Aggregates and ReadyMix at Lafarge Africa, highlighted the product’s wide range of applications, stating:
“EcoCrete offers superior performance in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. It enables contractors, engineers, and architects to meet their sustainability targets without sacrificing the technical excellence they rely on.”
From housing developments to highways and bridges, EcoCrete is positioned as a versatile and scalable solution for environmentally conscious builders.
Adding to this, Emmanuel Ilaboya, Head of Innovation and New Product Development at Lafarge Africa, described the launch as a timely response to the urgent global challenge of climate change.
“EcoCrete is more than just a product; it is a climate-smart innovation developed through extensive research and testing. It represents a practical, scalable alternative that supports Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.”
The launch of EcoCrete follows the successful rollout of EcoPlanet Unicem and EcoPlanet Elephant cements in 2024 and 2025, respectively. All three products reflect Lafarge Africa’s alignment with Holcim’s global vision of building progress for people and the planet.
With the Abuja RMX plant now fully converted to EcoCrete production, Lafarge plans to expand the product’s availability across its other ready-mix operations in Lagos and Port Harcourt, further advancing its leadership in sustainable construction materials.
Lafarge Africa Plc, a member of Holcim Limited, is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions in Nigeria. Listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group, the company operates cement plants in Ogun, Gombe, and Cross River States, as well as ready-mix concrete facilities in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. With an installed cement production capacity of 10.5 million tonnes per annum, Lafarge Africa plays a pivotal role in the country’s urbanization and economic growth.
