Lafarge Africa Plc has defied Nigeria’s economic turbulence with an extraordinary first-quarter performance, posting a 739.47% surge in pre-tax profit to N73.1 billion for the period ended March 31, 2025.

The cement manufacturer’s result stands out in a country grappling with high inflation, currency volatility, and a general slowdown in construction and infrastructure spending—conditions that would typically dampen earnings across the sector.

The surge mirrors the financial leap reported by BUA Cement Plc, which in the same quarter delivered a pre-tax profit of N99.7 billion, an increase of 368.58% year-on-year, fueled by record revenue and reduced foreign exchange losses. Taken together, these performances signal a cement industry that is thriving against the odds, managing to pull off record profits even as much of the Nigerian economy stumbles.

Lafarge’s Q1 revenue rose to N248.3 billion, marking an 80.26% increase from N137.7 billion in the same quarter last year. Cement sales accounted for the lion’s share at N242.6 billion, while aggregates and concrete contributed N5.4 billion. Revenue from other products came in at N281 million.

Despite the broader slowdown in real estate and government infrastructure projects—a direct result of rising construction costs, declining public capital expenditure, and steep interest rates—the demand for cement appears largely inelastic. Industry watchers believe this stems from private self-build projects, growing urban sprawl, and a shift to alternative building systems that still rely heavily on cement.

The sustained demand is surprising, given that Nigeria’s economy has barely grown in real terms in recent quarters, with many state governments halting or delaying construction activity.

Margins remain strong despite cost pressures

Lafarge’s cost of sales increased by 73.82% to N125.3 billion, from N72.1 billion in Q1 2024. The increase was expected, given the rise in energy prices, costlier raw materials, and logistics disruptions. However, gross profit rose even faster, up 87.34% to N122.9 billion, thanks to better pricing strategies and possible improvements in production efficiency.

The company, like its peers, faced mounting operating costs. Selling and distribution expenses rose by 45.87% to N38.9 billion, driven by increased haulage rates and supply chain constraints. Administrative expenses also grew 56.21% to N12.9 billion.

However, these were not enough to stall momentum. Operating profit reached N71.6 billion, a significant 136.97% jump compared to N30.2 billion in the first quarter of 2024. This reflects strong operational leverage, and the ability to scale earnings faster than costs when revenue increases, an important advantage in a high-inflation economy.

Solid balance sheet and investor returns

On the balance sheet, Lafarge reported total assets of N914.7 billion. Retained earnings climbed to N364.2 billion, up 15.41% year-on-year. The company appears to have avoided the kind of foreign exchange losses that weighed on some industrial players last year. Unlike BUA, whose debt portfolio rose sharply in Q1, Lafarge has maintained a more cautious financing strategy, limiting its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations.

As of April 24, 2025, Lafarge’s share price was N79.20. In 2024, the stock returned 122%, placing it among the best-performing equities on the Nigerian Exchange. This performance may reflect investor confidence in the company’s ability to navigate persistent macroeconomic challenges.

A thriving sector in a faltering economy

The financial results of Lafarge and its competitors suggest that Nigeria’s cement sector is enjoying a rare boom, even as other sectors shrink or stagnate. This divergence highlights cement’s strategic importance in the economy and the ability of dominant players to pass on costs, optimize production, and capture market share.

Analysts say these firms are benefitting from a near-monopoly structure, improved pricing power, and investments in energy efficiency that have begun to pay off. Some also point to the dollarization of certain construction contracts, particularly in private sector-led real estate, as a buffer against naira volatility.

However, questions remain about how sustainable this momentum is. The construction sector’s long-term prospects are still threatened by public spending cuts, high borrowing costs, and potential saturation in urban housing markets. Moreover, any new FX policy shocks or regulatory changes could affect input costs and profit margins.

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has announced the commencement of applications for the 2025/2026 edition of its Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS), aimed at developing local expertise for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The call for applications was made public in a statement posted on PTDF’s official X platform.

According to the Fund, the OSS programme has been restructured to align more closely with national goals of domestic capacity development. The scheme now prioritizes cultivating a new generation of Nigerian professionals equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to support the country’s energy industry.

“The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is pleased to bring to the notice of the public that the applications for the 2025/2026 Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme (OSS) has commenced,” the Fund said in its announcement.

Destinations and Structure of Study

Scholarships under the 2025/2026 OSS will be available in selected countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia. The scheme covers both Masters’ and Doctoral degree programmes in fields relevant to the petroleum and energy sectors.

MSc programmes will be fully funded in the UK, Germany, France, and Malaysia. For PhD studies, scholarships are available in Germany, France, and Malaysia.

However, for candidates seeking a PhD in the United Kingdom, the scholarship will only be available through a Split-Site Programme, hosted in collaboration with the PTDF College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna (CPESK) and three UK partner institutions: Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde, and University of Portsmouth.

What the Scholarship Covers

The PTDF has confirmed that successful applicants will receive full financial support for the duration of their studies. The package includes:

• Round-trip flight tickets
• Health insurance coverage
• Full tuition and bench fees where applicable
• Living expenses for the entire period of study

The scheme is targeted at Nigerian graduates with strong academic records, pursuing postgraduate degrees in petroleum-related disciplines such as engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences, energy management, and renewable energy.

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted online via the PTDF Scholarship Management Portal. The deadline for submission is June 4, 2025.

Prospective candidates are advised to visit the PTDF website for detailed information on eligibility criteria, required documents, and the full list of partner institutions.

About the PTDF

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund is a statutory agency under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Established to promote the development of indigenous human capacity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the Fund has consistently supported training through scholarship awards, academic grants, and research funding.

Over the years, PTDF has sponsored thousands of Nigerians to pursue postgraduate studies both locally and internationally in critical sectors supporting oil exploration, production, refining, and alternative energy. The Fund also supports academic infrastructure development and manages specialized institutions like the CPESK, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on expatriate technical labor.

The restructuring of the OSS underlines PTDF’s shift toward strategic talent development—equipping Nigerians with the skills and global exposure needed to take on leadership roles in the evolving energy sector.

For further updates, candidates can follow PTDF on social media or visit the official website: www.ptdf.gov.ng.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Nigeria to exercise greater fiscal discipline, urging the Tinubu-led government to optimize public expenditure amid growing concerns about inefficient resource allocation.

However, some of the country’s top economists say this is not the time to be overly frugal—warning that cutting back too hard could further strain a fragile economy.

The IMF’s warning came during the 2025 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where Davide Furceri, Division Chief in the Fiscal Affairs Department, commended Nigeria’s difficult fiscal reforms, such as subsidy removal, but stressed that these must be followed by “continued discipline in government expenditure.”

“We understand that many countries, including Nigeria, face pressing spending needs. But spending must be done wisely, which means stronger prioritization and greater efficiency in resource allocation,” Furceri said.

This statement, while appearing prudent, has sparked a wave of dissent among local economists, many of whom argue that Nigeria’s economic condition calls for a more pragmatic, not restrictive, approach.

One of the strongest responses came from Bismarck Rewane, Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company, who, while acknowledging the importance of managing spending, warned against drastic cuts that could cripple already stressed sectors. Speaking on Channels Television’s Business Morning, Rewane noted that cutting government spending is not the same as optimizing it.

“The IMF is advising that we optimize expenditure, as there are numerous leakages at both state and federal levels, which act as a negative investment multiplier,” he said. “But to ask us to cut our expenditure at a time when we need to invest more is like asking a man with an ulcer to go on a fasting mission.”

Rewane acknowledged the necessity of reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, including fuel subsidy removal and currency realignment, but insisted that these moves alone are insufficient.

“These reforms are necessary, but not sufficient. We must stop looking backwards. What was appropriate in 2023 may not suffice for 2025,” he said, adding that insecurity, particularly in oil-producing regions, continues to undermine revenue growth and economic recovery.

The IMF’s recommendation also comes against the backdrop of heavy criticism over what many Nigerians see as excessive and tone-deaf government spending. A 2025 budget analysis revealed that Tinubu plans to spend N7 billion on travel, N6.1 billion internationally, and N873 million locally, while Vice President Kashim Shettima will spend an additional N1.731 billion on his own travel expenses. In 2024 alone, data from the Open Treasury Portal showed that the Tinubu presidency spent N83 billion on travel.

Despite the staggering figures, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, defended the expenses, arguing on a Channels TV program that the president should be “traveling even more.” Tuggar pointed to a $2 million livestock investment deal allegedly secured during a visit to Brazil, portraying it as a worthwhile outcome.

But experts like Rewane suggest that the issue is not about the volume of travel but whether spending is yielding measurable, wide-scale economic impact.

“We must optimize expenditure, not spend like drunken sailors,” Rewane warned.

He cautioned that frugality in key areas like infrastructure, security, and inflation control would be counterproductive. Instead, he proposed a balanced approach: seal the leakages, enhance efficiency, and ensure that government outlays generate real value.

On inflation, Rewane challenged the IMF’s projections of 30% in 2025 and 37% in 2026, predicting a more moderate 25–27% increase. He argued that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) might be forced to raise interest rates again to control liquidity, given that inflationary pressure remains persistent.

He also criticized recent decisions by the Debt Management Office (DMO), particularly the reduction of bond issuance from N1.8 trillion in Q1 to N1.2 trillion in Q2, a move he described as counterproductive.

“Increased bond issuance is key to mopping up liquidity and controlling inflation. This is one of the painful choices we make to control inflation,” he said.

Rewane also drew attention to ongoing concerns over Nigeria’s undervalued crude oil exports.

“We sell for 70 cents, while our neighbors get $1.20. How long can this go on?” he asked, warning that continued underpricing could worsen the country’s revenue crisis.

He praised the Dangote Refinery’s role in easing fuel prices but warned that global dynamics could soon reverse those gains. According to him, a potential output increase by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) could further depress crude prices, compounding Nigeria’s already strained revenue outlook.

Rewane also commented on broader global developments, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff reductions on China might offer temporary relief. However, he maintained that uncertainty will persist.

“Yes, a recession may come, but it will be mild, not deep,” he predicted.

Looking forward, Rewane emphasized the urgency of closing Nigeria’s fiscal gap through smarter borrowing, reduced leakages, and targeted fiscal consolidation. He stressed that the solution to Nigeria’s economic woes lies in thoughtful action—not blind austerity.

“These are serious times, and we must respond with serious adjustments,” he said. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach. What Nigeria needs is discipline, yes—but also courage to invest, restructure, and grow.”

Russia’s Ministry of Finance and Central Bank are developing a cryptocurrency exchange targeting “super-qualified investors” as part of a three-year experimental legal regime (ELR). Announced by Finance Minister Anton Siluanov on April 23, 2025, the platform aims to legalize and regulate crypto transactions for high-net-worth individuals, bringing operations “out of the shadows.”

Initially proposed requirements for “super-qualified investors” include assets of at least 100 million rubles ($1.2 million) or an annual income exceeding 50 million rubles ($600,000). These thresholds are not finalized and may be adjusted following discussions, as noted by Osman Kabaloev, Deputy Director of the Finance Ministry’s Financial Policy Department. The exchange seeks to formalize crypto trading under strict oversight, aligning with Russia’s broader strategy to regulate digital assets while limiting access to elite investors. It will not operate within Russia’s domestic financial system but handle transactions permitted under the ELR.

Qualified investors who don’t meet the “super-qualified” criteria can still access crypto-linked derivatives (e.g., securities or financial instruments tied to crypto prices) without direct ownership. The Moscow Exchange and SPB Exchange plan to launch such products in 2025, pending regulatory approval. The exchange is at least six months from launch, as stated by Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov in March 2025.

Russia’s move follows its cautious embrace of crypto, including legalizing Bitcoin for international trade settlements in December 2024 and exploring a national stablecoin after U.S. sanctions froze Russian-linked wallets. However, cryptocurrencies remain banned for domestic payments, and the Central Bank opposes their use as legal tender. The initiative may help Russian businesses bypass Western sanctions by facilitating crypto-based cross-border transactions, a strategy supported by President Vladimir Putin and discussed at the BRICS summit.

Some financial experts, like Igor Danilenko of Renaissance Capital, criticize crypto as a volatile asset class resembling a “pyramid scheme,” highlighting divided opinions within Russia’s financial sector. Bitget COO Vugar Usi Zade likened Russia’s approach to Singapore’s early regulated exchange model, though with a geopolitical focus on BRICS trade amid sanctions.

This development signals Russia’s pragmatic shift toward regulated crypto use, balancing innovation with tight control, but its impact may be limited by the exclusive investor criteria and ongoing regulatory debates. The development of Russia’s cryptocurrency exchange for “super-qualified investors” carries several implications across economic, geopolitical, regulatory, and social dimensions.

By bringing crypto transactions under a regulated framework, Russia aims to reduce illicit activities and tax evasion, potentially increasing government revenue through oversight of high-value transactions. The focus on “super-qualified investors” (high-net-worth individuals) restricts broader participation, limiting the exchange’s role in Russia’s domestic economy. Only derivatives will be accessible to less wealthy qualified investors, reducing mainstream adoption.

The exchange could spur development of blockchain and financial tech industries in Russia, fostering innovation in secure trading platforms and derivative products. Critics, like Igor Danilenko, warn of crypto’s volatility, which could pose risks to investors and destabilize financial instruments tied to the exchange.

The exchange aligns with Russia’s strategy to use crypto for international trade settlements, bypassing Western sanctions. This supports efforts to strengthen BRICS economic ties and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. Russia’s push for crypto adoption, potentially including a national stablecoin, could encourage other BRICS nations (e.g., China, India) to explore similar regulated platforms, reshaping global trade dynamics.

The move may position Russia as a leader in regulated crypto adoption among sanctioned economies, though its restrictive approach may limit its appeal compared to more open markets like Singapore. The high eligibility threshold (e.g., ~$1.2M in assets) and strict oversight reflect Russia’s cautious stance, balancing innovation with control. This could set a precedent for heavily regulated crypto markets globally.

The three-year ELR allows Russia to test the exchange’s viability without fully integrating crypto into the domestic financial system, minimizing systemic risks. The Central Bank’s opposition to crypto as legal tender suggests ongoing regulatory friction, which could delay or complicate implementation. Russia’s model may influence international regulatory debates, particularly in jurisdictions seeking to balance crypto innovation with anti-money laundering (AML) and investor protection measures.

Restricting access to “super-qualified investors” reinforces wealth inequality in crypto access, potentially fueling public skepticism or resentment, especially given crypto’s decentralized ethos. A regulated exchange could attract wealthy Russians to repatriate crypto assets from offshore platforms, boosting confidence in local markets. However, the high entry barriers may deter smaller investors.

While the exchange signals growing acceptance, its limited scope may slow broader crypto adoption in Russia compared to countries with more inclusive policies. Positive sentiment on platforms like X (e.g., from crypto influencers) suggests short-term market optimism, but long-term success depends on regulatory clarity and global crypto trends.

Increased crypto use for sanctions evasion could prompt stricter Western countermeasures, targeting Russian-linked wallets or exchanges. Unfinalized criteria and potential Central Bank pushback may delay the exchange’s launch or undermine its credibility. The focus on elite investors raises concerns about potential market concentration or manipulation in a low-liquidity environment.

Russia’s exchange may struggle to compete with established platforms in jurisdictions with more mature crypto ecosystems (e.g., Dubai, Singapore). Russia’s crypto exchange for “super-qualified investors” is a strategic move to harness digital assets for geopolitical and economic goals while maintaining strict control. It strengthens Russia’s position in sanctioned trade and BRICS alliances but risks reinforcing elitism and regulatory fragmentation. Its success hinges on clear rules, investor trust, and navigating global sanctions, with broader adoption likely limited by its exclusive focus.