In a bid to address the soaring cost of cement across Nigeria, the Federal Government has pledged to prioritize the repair of roads and explore solutions to mitigate the impact of gas prices and import duties. This commitment emerged from a crucial meeting between government officials and major cement manufacturers in Abuja.
During the meeting, Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, along with Minister of Trade and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and representatives from the three leading cement companies – Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, and Lafarge Plc – collectively endorsed a communiqué outlining key actions.
Acknowledging the challenges highlighted by manufacturers, including the exorbitant cost of gas, steep import duties on spare parts, inadequate road infrastructure, volatile foreign exchange rates, and the illegal smuggling of cement to neighboring countries, the government resolved to pursue solutions. The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment committed to engaging President Bola Tinubu with the aim of addressing gas prices and import duties. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Works pledged to prioritize road repairs, particularly in areas proximate to cement producers.
To combat the illicit smuggling of cement, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment vowed to intensify collaboration with the National Security Adviser to curb this unlawful practice. The meeting also identified the abnormality of high cement prices in various parts of the country, signaling a shared determination to rectify this disparity.
This development marks a pivotal step in the Nigerian government’s efforts to alleviate the financial burden on consumers while fostering a conducive environment for the cement industry’s sustainable growth.
