FG Urges Cement Manufacturers to Cut Prices for Projects

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Minister of Works David Umahi, is demanding that cement manufacturers reduce their prices, citing that the current pricing regime imposes a heavy burden on ongoing infrastructure projects. Umahi delivered a keynote address unveiling a new corporate identity for Lafarge Africa, following its acquisition by the Chinese Huaxin Group.

He emphasized that manufacturers must take responsibility for lowering costs rather than expecting the government to adjust project contracts to reflect rising material prices. The government plans to formally engage cement manufacturers starting July 1, 2026, to address these issues.

Umahi noted that high cement prices are pressuring contractors and affecting the delivery of critical infrastructure projects, which are essential for economic growth and job creation. He urged industry players to increase production capacity to meet the growing demand driven by government infrastructure initiatives under President Bola Tinubu's administration.