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Why We Can’t Sell Cement Below ₦7,000 – Manufacturers
“Therefore, the manufacturers – BUA Cement Plc, Dangote Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc have agreed to sell their cement at between N7,000 and N8,000 per 50kg depending on the location.
A bag of cement cannot be sold below N7,000 due to the increasing cost of production, manufacturers said yesterday.
They said the rise in operating costs was responsible for the price hike.
The producers have agreed to reduce the price per 50kg bag from between N9,000 to N15,000 to between N7,000 and N8,000 depending on the location nationwide.
Representatives of Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc made the commitment after a meeting with Minister of Works, David Umahi, which was attended by his Industry, Trade and Investment counterpart, Doris Uzoka-Anite in Abuja.
Umahi called the meeting following the skyrocketing price of cement.
The manufacturers blamed the high cost of gas, import duties, bad road network, smuggling and the prevailing foreign exchange rate for the hike.
Executive Director of BUA, Kabir Rabiu, said the manufacturers would abide by the agreement.
He said: “Our cost component of energy went from 39 per cent to 60 per cent.
“The price of gas last year was N415, then it went to N715.
“Today, we are paying over N1,500. All these issues were discussed and we gave our commitment.
“When our six million tonnes of cement is supplied to the market in a few weeks, definitely we will see a sharp drop in prices when that volume hits the market.”
He said the huge disparity between demand and supply also played a major role in the price increase.
According to him, some manufacturing plants could not produce for some reason, which led to a reduction in production.
“Being the highest period of cement demand in the country, the tendency that demand will outstrip supply will push the price up,” he said.
He also said cross-border smuggling contributes to the scarcity of the commodity.
According to him, a bag of cement costs far more in Cameroun, which makes it attractive to move the product there illegally.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, said notwithstanding that the core materials are locally sourced, spare parts and other variables are subject to import duties and foreign exchange.
A communique issued after the meeting, read by Umahi, states: “We discussed extensively the current prices of Cement viz a viz the challenges of the manufacturers.
“The manufacturers talked about their challenges ranging from the high cost of gas, import duties, bad road network and of course the high rate of FX against the naira.
“We also talked about the smuggling of cement across the borders.
“The government noted the challenges and we agreed that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment will seek some remedies from the President on the high cost of gas, issue of import duties and fixing of the roads, especially within the distribution corridors.
“On the issue of smuggling, the Trade Minister will brief the National Security Adviser (NSA) on smuggling the commodity across the borders.
“The government and the manufacturers noted that depending on the location, ideally, the price should not be more than N7,000 and N8,000 per 50 kg bag of cement.
“Therefore, the manufacturers – BUA Cement Plc, Dangote Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc have agreed to sell their cement at between N7,000 and N8,000 per 50kg depending on the location.
“The Federal government and cement manufacturers will set up a price monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance.
“The manufacturers have accepted to sanction, on their own, any of their distributors or retailers found wanting.
“The government expects the agreed price to drop after securing government’s interventions on the challenges of the manufacturers on gas, import duty, smuggling, and better road network.
“It was also agreed that the government will encourage the emergence of at least six cement manufacturers to augment the three existing companies.
“We also agreed to reconvene in 30 days to review progress.”
Uzoka-Anite said the government was working hard to ensure that the prices of all commodities were reduced.
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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