Manufacturers Predict That The Cost Of Cement Will Soon Reach N9,000 Per Bag

According to the Cement Producers Association of Nigeria, the price of cement will rise to N9,000 as a result of the federal government's proposal to build concrete roads.

This warning was made by the organization on Sunday in a statement that was co-signed by the National Chairman, Prince David Iweta, and the National Secretary, Chief Reagan Ufomba.

Cement is currently being sold at N5,000 per bag. The association also urged the current administration to encourage greater participation in the cement industry in order to permanently address the issue of ongoing cement price increases, arguing that Nigerians should not be expected to pay more than N5,600 per bag for cement.

Ufomba applauded the attitude taken by the works minister on cement-made roads but issued a severe warning if the supply end is not properly addressed.

The government was advised by the cement producers to place more focus on designing roads that would allow asphalt pavement and cement technology to coexist while also allowing for a smooth transition that would give contractors time to make the necessary investments in retooling and equipment that is appropriate and necessary.

Part of the statement read: "Our findings from various parts of the country show that cement sells for as high as N6000 per bag in the rainy season. Our prediction is that it will sell for over N9,000 per bag in the dry season, especially with the pronouncement of the Honourable Minister of Works on cement technology and the marching order on housing by Mr President if the government does not take proactive steps.

"While we commend the Honourable Minister's position on cement-made roads, we warn of the dire consequences if the supply end is not properly addressed. In fact, it would amount to dereliction of duty not to intervene. And the time is now. To do otherwise is to continue in a worsening pipe dream that prices would suddenly drop on this essential input that will continue to drain the purse of Nigerians, render them homeless, encourage chaos between demand and supply, and worsen the infrastructure deficit it sets out to cure, and lead to an unprecedented price hike."