The Federal Government has renewed calls for cement manufacturers to lower the price of cement, warning that rising costs are putting pressure on major infrastructure projects across the country.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the appeal during the unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge Africa, now rebranded as HBM following its acquisition by Chinese firm HUAXIN Group.
According to Umahi, the high cost of cement is becoming a major challenge for contractors handling government projects, many of whom are demanding contract reviews due to increasing construction expenses.
The minister revealed that the government plans to begin formal discussions with cement manufacturers from July 1, 2026, with the aim of addressing the persistent rise in cement prices.
“Manufacturers of cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are chocking me to review their contracts,” Umahi said.
He stressed that lowering cement prices would benefit both government infrastructure projects and ordinary Nigerians building homes and businesses.
Umahi noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure, creating huge opportunities for manufacturers and investors in the construction sector.
He therefore urged HBM and other cement producers to increase production capacity and support the government’s development agenda by making cement more affordable.
The minister also praised the ongoing infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as evidence of the administration’s commitment to economic growth and national development.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about the rising cost of cement, warning that it could increase construction costs, slow housing development and affect ongoing projects nationwide.
The planned meeting between the government and manufacturers is expected to explore ways of reducing prices while maintaining investment and production within the sector.
Source: Federal Ministry of Works
