HBM Nigeria Plc has strengthened its corporate governance structure with the appointment of renowned peacebuilding expert, Dr. Fatima Akilu, and former Attorney-General of Cross River State, Mrs. Nella Andem-Ewa (SAN), as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective July 1, 2026.
The appointments were disclosed in a regulatory filing signed by the company's Secretary and Legal Director, Adewunmi Alode. They are subject to ratification by shareholders at the company's next Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The new appointments follow changes to the company's board after the resignation of Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, and Non-Executive Director, Ms. Elenda Osima-Dokubo, whose departures took effect on June 30.
HBM Nigeria paid tribute to the outgoing directors, commending their dedication and strategic contributions to the company's growth, governance and long-term development.
“The Board and Management express their sincere gratitude to Mrs Ogunlesi and Ms Osima-Dokubo for their invaluable contributions and commitment to the Company.
“As accomplished entrepreneurs and business owners, they brought their wealth of commercial insight, strategic vision, and practical business acumen to the boardroom,” the company stated.
The building solutions manufacturer said the appointments of Akilu and Andem-Ewa reflect its commitment to strengthening board independence, enhancing governance standards and drawing on diverse professional expertise to support its long-term strategic objectives.
“The Board and Management warmly welcome Dr. Fatima Akilu and Mrs. Nella Andem-Ewa and look forward to the valuable expertise and strategic oversight they will bring to the Company as we continue to drive sustainable growth and excellence,” it said.
Dr. Akilu is widely recognised for her work in peacebuilding, behavioural psychology and countering violent extremism. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Neem Foundation, where she leads programmes focused on preventing violent extremism, advancing mental health and building resilient communities across Nigeria.
Before establishing the foundation, she served as Director of Behavioural Analysis and Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser, where she played a key role in developing Nigeria's countering violent extremism programme. She also previously held leadership positions at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and at Leadership Newspapers.
Akilu holds both a PhD and a Master's degree in Psychology from the University of Reading, United Kingdom. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the United Nations-mandated University for Peace, an Honorary Professor at King's College London and a board member of the Overseas Development Institute.
Mrs. Andem-Ewa brings more than 30 years of legal, governance and public sector experience to the HBM Nigeria board. She is the Principal Partner at Lexglobal Partners LP and is widely respected for her contributions to legal practice, arbitration and institutional governance.
She served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Cross River State between 1999 and 2003 and was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2009.
Throughout her career, Andem-Ewa has occupied several leadership positions, including Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Wing of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (UN CEDAW), and member of the Council of Legal Education.
She has also served on the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission and the Body of Benchers Disciplinary Committee.
The appointments are expected to bolster HBM Nigeria's governance framework as the company continues to pursue sustainable growth while strengthening board oversight and strategic leadership.