Former Delta State Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Raymos Guanah, has called on the Federal Government to encourage increased cement production in the country by involving more investors in the sector. Guanah made this appeal during an interview with Pathway News on Tuesday in Asaba.
Guanah expressed concern over the recent surge in cement prices, which have skyrocketed from N3,500 to N8,000 in the past four months. He noted that while Egypt boasts over 50 cement factories, Nigeria has only two or three, despite having a larger population and abundant raw materials for cement production.
“The core raw materials for cement production are available within the country, so we don’t need to import anything to produce cement. As it stands, we have enough resources to produce cement, but only a few companies are utilizing them,” Guanah stated.
He urged the federal government to encourage more individuals and corporate bodies to venture into cement manufacturing. Guanah emphasized that potential investors should receive support from the Bank of Industry, commercial banks, and development banks, among others, to establish as many cement factories as possible.
“Encouraging more cement manufacturing factories in the country will give builders and dealers more options and could lead to a reduction in the price of cement,” he added.
Pathway News reports that the soaring price of cement, a crucial component in the construction industry, has forced many Nigerians to halt their building projects. Some Nigerians in Asaba shared their struggles with the rising cost of cement and other building materials.
Mr. Felix Chigozie, a civil servant, mentioned that he had to suspend his ongoing building project due to the high cost of cement. Similarly, Mr. Joshua Okeke, a commercial driver, stated that his priority now is to feed his family and send his children to school, making it impossible to focus on his building project.
According to Pathway News, Dangote Cement currently sells for N8,200 in Asaba, while BUA Cement is priced at N8,000.
