The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, has made a case for the extension of gas concessions currently given to electricity companies to cement manufacturers to help address rising prices.
The minister stated this at an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Solid Minerals, Industry, Commerce, and Special Duties in Abuja.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nura Rimi, said the advocacy was the fallout of a recent meeting with the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, and major cement manufacturing companies.
She highlighted challenges faced by cement manufacturers, including the cost of gas, high import duties on spare parts, inadequate road networks, high foreign exchange rates, and the smuggling of cement to neighbouring countries.
Uzoka-Anite noted that both the cement manufacturers and the government acknowledge that the current high price of cement is abnormal in some areas nationwide.
While noting that Nigeria is self-sufficient in cement manufacturing, with major players such as Dangote Industries Ltd, BUA Group, and Lafarge Holcim churning out enough to even export, she said the ministry is discussing how to re-engage cement companies that have halted construction activities, understand their challenges, and find ways to bring them back into the sector.
