By Peace Erewunmi

The Federal Government has called on cement manufacturers across Nigeria to immediately reduce the price of cement, warning that the current cost is placing significant pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, made the call while addressing industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders at an event in Lagos. He expressed concern that rising cement prices have increased the cost of roads, bridges, housing projects, and other critical infrastructure being executed by both the government and private sector.

According to the minister, contractors handling government projects have continued to demand contract reviews and cost adjustments due to escalating prices of construction materials, particularly cement. He, however, maintained that the government would not approve unnecessary contract variations and insisted that manufacturers should instead review their pricing structure.

Umahi announced that the Federal Government would begin formal engagements with cement producers from July 1 to address the issue and seek lasting solutions that would make the product more affordable for Nigerians.

The minister noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in infrastructure across the country, leading to a surge in demand for cement. He therefore urged manufacturers to expand production capacity to meet growing market needs while ensuring that prices remain reasonable.

He added that reducing cement prices would not only support the successful delivery of government projects but would also benefit ordinary Nigerians seeking to build homes and undertake private construction projects.

The renewed government pressure comes amid longstanding concerns over the cost of cement in Nigeria. In previous engagements between the Federal Government and major manufacturers, stakeholders had discussed measures aimed at stabilising prices and improving supply across the country.

Industry operators have attributed rising cement costs to factors such as high energy prices, foreign exchange challenges, import duties on spare parts, transportation costs, and supply constraints.

As of the time of filing this report, cement manufacturers had not issued any official response to the latest directive, while stakeholders continue to monitor developments ahead of the planned government-industry meeting in July.