By Naijatruth
Minister of Works, David Umahi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed his concern over the rising cost of cement in the country and has invited the major cement manufacturers to a meeting to discuss the issue.
He said that the cement industry was benefiting from the increased patronage by road and housing contractors, who were undertaking various projects across the nation, but the product was becoming unaffordable for many Nigerians.
He said that he wanted to understand the factors behind the high price of cement and find a way to make it more accessible and affordable for the public.
The Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, issued a statement on Saturday, informing the public about the meeting and its agenda. The statement said that the meeting will take place on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Mabushi, Abuja, by 10 am.
The statement also listed the names of the cement manufacturers that were expected to attend the meeting. They included Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge, and others.
The statement quoted the Minister as saying, “The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, David Umahi CON, has summoned an urgent meeting of all cement manufacturers in Nigeria.
The meeting is aimed at addressing the rising cost of cement in the country, which is affecting the construction sector and the general public. The Minister is concerned that, despite the huge demand for cement by road and housing contractors, who are executing various projects for the government and the private sector, the price of cement has been increasing at an alarming rate.
The Minister wants to know the reasons for this situation and the challenges faced by the manufacturers. He also wants to explore the possible solutions and interventions that can be adopted to bring down the cost of cement and make it more affordable and available for the consumers.
The Minister hopes that the meeting will be fruitful and productive and will result in a win-win situation for the government, the manufacturers, and the public.”