By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A landmark ruling in France has placed Lafarge under intense scrutiny, raising urgent questions in Nigeria. The court convicted the company for financing terrorism in Syria, sentenced executives, and imposed heavy fines. The judgment, delivered in Paris, examined actions between 2013 and 2014 and revealed payments to extremist groups to sustain operations.
French Court Convicts Lafarge for Terror Financing
The Paris court found Lafarge guilty of funding terrorist organisations, including ISIS and the al-Nusra Front. Judges ruled that the company paid these groups to keep its Syrian cement plant operational.
The court imposed a €1.12 million fine and ordered the seizure of €30 million in assets. Authorities confirmed that Lafarge paid about €5.59 million to armed groups.
Presiding judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez stated that the payments strengthened violent groups responsible for deadly attacks.
Executives Sentenced to Prison Terms
The court also convicted eight former employees. Former CEO Bruno Lafont received a six-year prison sentence. Former deputy managing director Christian Herrault got five years.
Other staff members received sentences ranging from one to seven years. The court stressed that the company prioritised profit over security risks.
Details of the Syrian Operations
Lafarge operated a cement plant in Jalabiya, Syria. The company acquired the facility in 2008 and began operations in 2010.
Despite the civil war, the company continued production. Workers crossed dangerous مناطق daily, while Lafarge reportedly paid over €800,000 for safe passage. It also spent €1.6 million on raw materials from ISIS-controlled areas.
Previous Legal Issues in France and the US
The case started in 2017 and has evolved over time. In 2022, Lafarge faced another conviction tied to crimes against humanity.
In the United States, the company admitted that its subsidiary paid $6 million to extremist groups. This led to a $778 million settlement.
Lafarge, now part of Holcim Group, claimed intermediaries handled the payments.
Nigeria’s Silence Raises Questions
Despite the ruling, the Nigerian government has not issued an official response. Attempts to reach the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney-General’s office produced no clear answers.
This silence has raised concerns because Nigeria continues to battle terrorism. Recently, authorities listed 48 individuals and groups linked to terror financing, including Simon Ekpa.
Lafarge’s Strong Presence in Nigeria
Lafarge operates as Lafarge Africa Plc in Nigeria. The company runs major plants in Ogun, Cross River, and Gombe states.
It produces about 10.5 million metric tonnes of cement annually. Its products include Elephant Cement and ECOPlanet.
The company also plans expansions in Ashaka and Sagamu. Meanwhile, Holcim recently sold its majority stake to Huaxin Cement in a $1 billion deal.
Security Experts Demand Transparency
Security analyst Ibrahim Musa Bello has raised serious concerns. He questioned why Lafarge continues operations without public clarification.
He argued that the government must explain its position. According to him, silence creates uncertainty and fuels speculation.
Bello stressed that Nigeria has faced terrorism for over 15 years. Therefore, any link between corporations and terror financing requires strict scrutiny.
National Security vs Economic Interests
Nigeria faces threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP. Some Lafarge facilities operate in regions affected by insecurity.
Experts insist that economic growth must not override national security. Authorities must enforce strict monitoring and risk assessment.
Conclusion: Calls for Accountability Grow
The Lafarge conviction has triggered global debate on corporate accountability. In Nigeria, it has amplified calls for transparency and stronger oversight.
Analysts believe the government must act quickly. Clear communication will help maintain public trust and protect national security.
