The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called for an urgent meeting with major cement manufacturers in Nigeria to address the escalating cost of cement in the country.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji, the minister expressed concern over the significant rise in the price of cement despite substantial demand from road and housing contractors. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Mabushi, Abuja.

The invited companies include Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Lafarge, and others.

“The disparity between the ex-factory price and the market price is substantial, and we need to address this issue and other challenges to find a sustainable solution,” the minister stated.

The government’s intervention aims to tackle the factors driving the surge in cement prices, demonstrating a commitment to stabilizing the market and fostering collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders.