Founder and chairman of BUA Group Abdul Samad Rabiu has led a record dividend payout by the group’s listed companies, BUA Foods Plc and BUA Cement Plc.
The two companies are distributing a combined N842.64 billion to shareholders.
BUA Foods is paying N504 billion, with a final dividend of N28 per share, while BUA Cement is paying N338.64 billion, translating to N10 per share.
The payouts follow increased earnings by both companies.
BUA Foods recorded revenue of N1.77 trillion in 2025, with profit before tax of N521.53 billion and net profit of N518.39 billion.
BUA Cement reported revenue of N1.18 trillion, profit before tax of N465.28 billion and profit after tax of N356.04 billion.
Beyond dividends, Mr Rabiu also approved cash gifts to employees of the group.
Shareholders said about N30 billion was distributed to 510 staff members, with five employees receiving N1 billion each and others receiving up to N500 million.
In a statement signed by Faruk Umar, president of the Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, investors said the move reflects the group’s approach to sharing value with workers.
The group had earlier increased salaries of its workers in 2024.
BUA Foods and BUA Cement are among the largest companies on the Nigerian Exchange, with a combined market value of about N26 trillion.
Shareholders said the group’s investments in food and cement production support economic activity, adding that its planned refinery project will contribute to energy supply.
They also noted that increased production by the group has helped stabilise prices of goods such as sugar and cement.
The dividend payout comes as companies face pressure to balance returns to investors with broader economic impact.
