The Federal Government of Nigeria through the the Ministry of Works has summoned major cement manufacturers to a meeting over the rising cost of cement in the country.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed concern over the significant increase in the cost of cement, despite the substantial patronage by road and housing contractors from cement manufacturers.
According to a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, in Abuja on Saturday, it was announced that the meeting would be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Mabushi, Abuja.
The statement partly 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.”
Orji quoted the Minister as saying, “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.”