FG to begin talks with industry players July 1 as contractors push for contract reviews….
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called on cement manufacturers across Nigeria to reduce the price of cement, warning that the persistent increase in costs is placing significant pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide.
Umahi made the call during the unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister expressed concern over the impact of soaring cement prices on government projects and disclosed that the Federal Government would engage cement manufacturers from July 1 to address the issue.
“I want to insist that Lafarge, now HBM, and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices,” Umahi said.
“We shall be engaging on this from July 1. Manufacturers of cement must reduce their prices because contractors are putting pressure on me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It is the manufacturers of cement that should review their costs.”
The minister noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making unprecedented investments in critical infrastructure, creating enormous opportunities for manufacturers and investors within the construction sector.
He urged HBM and other cement producers to expand their production capacity to meet the growing demand expected from ongoing and future projects under the administration’s infrastructure agenda.
Commending the company on its transition to HBM and its renewed commitment to the Nigerian market, Umahi assured the management of government support and collaboration.
“I commend you very highly and say welcome onboard. We are going to work together. The market is smaller than what the President is doing. Therefore, enlarge your capacity,” he said.
The minister also highlighted what he described as the remarkable progress being recorded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of infrastructure development.
He cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the flagship projects demonstrating the administration’s commitment to national transformation, noting that the project has continued to attract international recognition.
According to Umahi, international evaluators who assessed the project praised its quality and strategic significance.
“When the Dudge Bank came to evaluate our project, they said it was undervalued and that the project is of topmost quality. Today, our neighbouring countries are coming to study the technology behind the Coastal Highway,” he stated.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as the leadership and political will driving the country’s infrastructure renewal programme.
He maintained that the administration remains focused on delivering projects that will boost economic growth, improve connectivity and restore prosperity across the country.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr President is committed to repositioning this country. The President knows what he is doing. The vision and mission are achievable, and we are on course. This country will be taken back for the good of Nigerians,” Umahi added.
