Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on cement manufacturers to reduce the price of cement, saying the high cost is making it more expensive for the government to carry out infrastructure projects and increasing the overall cost of construction.
Umahi made the appeal on Sunday in Lagos during an event marking the rebranding of Lafarge to HBM, following its acquisition by the HUAXIN Group.
The minister announced that the Federal Government will begin talks with cement producers on July 1 to discuss ways of lowering cement prices. He said the rising cost of cement has become a major challenge for contractors and developers across the country.
According to Umahi, lower cement prices would help reduce the cost of government projects and make it easier for Nigerians to build homes and other important structures. He also urged HBM and other cement companies to increase production to meet growing demand and praised investors for their continued commitment to Nigeria’s economy.
