The Minister for Works, Senator David Umahi, has charged the management of BUA Cement with the need to further reduce the prices of cement in the market.
Umahi stated this in Sokoto on Thursday when he led members of his management team to the headquarters of the company in Sokoto.
The Federal Government and cement manufacturers resolved that prices of cement would be reduced to between N7,000 and N8,000.
However, checks by The PUNCH showed that retail prices increased from N7,000 to N9,500, and N13,000 nationwide as of Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
The minister said the Federal Government is embarking on 372 kilometers of road, dual carriageway spanning from Kaduna to Sokoto State.
“I am here to see things for myself, as you are aware, the Federal Government is currently embarking on 372 dual kilometers of road of which the first phase will be done with asphalt, while the step-down will be done with concrete.
“If you calculate the 372 kilometers, because it is a dual carriageway into two will give us a total of 744 kilometers.
“The second 372 kilometers will be conducted with pure concrete in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
“When the chairman of the company visited Mr President last week, he assured that the 5th line will soon commence operation, and with my visit here, I can confirm the 5th line, though waiting yet to be commissioned has already commenced operation”
He however commended the management of the company for ensuring cleanliness within the entire premises of the company.
“I must commend you for ensuring absolute cleanliness within the environment of the company. It is also worth mentioning that no loitering around of staff in the company, this is a commendable development and I want you to keep it up”.
Also speaking, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, commended BUA management for living up to expectations in the discharge of its responsibilities.
He also appealed to the management of the company to in addition to improved capacity in its production ensure the availability of the product to the masses at affordable prices to meet up with the current administration of housing for all.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, Managing Director of BUA Cement, Engineer Yusuf Binji, assured that with the fifth line, the company will ensure massive production of the product in the company.
He said the increase in the production of cement will further push down the price of the product in the market.
