The House of Representatives Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in cement prices has declared that Alhaji Aliko Dangote is not above the parliament.
The joint Committees on Commerce, Industry, Special Duties, and Solid Minerals had summoned the management of Dangote Cement for questioning over alleged price hikes in Nigeria. The committee threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it failed to appear at its next hearing, following the absence of company officials at an investigative hearing addressing the rising cement prices.
Rep. Jonathan Gaza, leading the special panel, advocated for a downward review of cement prices and expressed concern over the impact of the price increase. He emphasized that no individual is bigger than the National Assembly, stating, “No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”
The committee decried the hardships caused by the cement price hikes and directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before the committee within the next two weeks to discuss measures to address the situation for the benefit of the public.
“They want to over profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given them this platform. It calls for a rethink of the government’s position,” Gaza said.
Regarding Dangote, Gaza added, “On Dangote, my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers, but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We will communicate a date. Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, and a warrant of arrest will be given for you to appear before the National Assembly.”
