Odita Sunday 
Umahi Orders Cement Manufacturers to Cut Prices, Says FG Will Engage Firms July 1
By Odita Sunday
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has urged cement manufacturers in Nigeria to reduce the price of cement, warning that rising costs are increasing pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
Umahi spoke at the unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, held in Lagos on June 21.
The minister said the Federal Government would begin discussions with cement manufacturers from July 1 aimed at addressing the issue.
“I want to insist that Lafarge now HBM and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices,” he said.
According to him, contractors handling government projects have continued to seek contract reviews due to rising cement costs.
“We shall be engaging on this from First of July. Manufacturer of Cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are chocking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their cost,” Umahi stated.
He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is making substantial investments in road and other infrastructure projects, creating increased demand for construction materials.
The minister urged HBM and other cement producers to expand production capacity to meet the growing needs of the construction sector.
Umahi also cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the major projects being executed under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the project had attracted international attention due to its quality and scope.
“When the Dudge Bank came to evaluate our project, they said it was undervalued and that the project is of topmost quality. Today, Our neighboring nations are coming to steal the technology of the coastal highway,” he said.
The minister further expressed confidence in the administration’s economic and infrastructure programmes.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I commit that Mr. President is committed to retake this country. The President knows what he is doing. The vision and mission are achievable and we are on course and this country will be taken back for the good of Nigerians,” he added.
About the Author
