Lafarge Africa Plc has assured shareholders of improved performance and higher returns on their investments having significantly strengthened its balance sheet.

Balogun said , "having overseen the progress in our transformation plan, the clean-up of our balance sheet, its return to robust profitability, streamlining of our operations, the renewal of our Board and the smooth chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financing officer (CFO) succession plan, it is with a deep sense of gratitude to God, that I feel fulfilled, in retiring as chairman, knowing that the board and our company is in a very good shape."

While thanking the shareholders for their support over the years, Balogun said the N1 dividend pay-out was a worthy return on their investments.

On his part, CEO of Lafarge Africa, Khaled El Dokani, commended the shareholders for their continued confidence in the company.

Sunny Nwosu of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria hailed Balogun for putting the company on the path to profitability as well as the fulfilment of the pledge to pay dividend to all shareholders.