David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has requested an urgent meeting with major cement manufacturers to discuss the increasing cost of cement.
The minister is worried about the sharp increase in cement prices, even though there is a high demand from road and housing contractors.
The meeting is set for Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Mabushi, Abuja. The invited cement manufacturers include Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Lafarge, and others.
In a statement from the Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi stressed the importance of addressing the growing gap between the factory price and the market price of cement.
While recognizing the challenges faced by manufacturers, the minister hopes to discuss and find solutions during the meeting.
Part of the statement read: “The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, David Umahi CON, has summoned an urgent meeting of all cement manufacturers in Nigeria.
“Those invited are Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge, and others.”
“It is common knowledge that the manufacturers have their challenges, which we shall look into, but from our findings, the disparity between ex-factory price and the market price is wide.
“We therefore need to look into the situation and other issues with a view to finding a common front.”
The government is taking action to investigate the reasons behind the increase in cement prices. They aim to work together with industry partners to lessen the impact on construction and infrastructure projects.
