Nigeria-based producer Ashaka Cement has announced the appointment of two new directors, the company said in a statement to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The two new members are Lamido Abba Turkur and HRH Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kwairanga (Emir of Funakaye).

Ashaka Cement reported a 54.4 per cent decline in first-half 2013 pretax profit to NGN1.65bn (US$10.3m) from NGN3.55bn a year ago. Turnover also fell to NGN11.81bn during the six months to June 30, compared to NGN12.26bn in the same period of last year.