The Federal Government has called on cement manufacturers to consider reducing the price of the commodity in order to improve local consumption for various infrastructural projects, even as they continue to build their export capacity.
Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, argued that cement price could be cheaper if per capital consumption increases through adoption of concrete roads and collaboration among local producers.
Osinbajo, during the inauguration of BUA Cement plant in Sokoto, yesterday said: “Currently, Nigeria produces over 40 million tonnes of cement annually. Nigeria produces more cement than any other country in Africa. Indeed, when put together, several other countries still cannot produce as much cement.
Meanwhile, BUA Group has announced plans to commence exportation of cement with its recently inaugurated 1.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) cement plant in Sokoto to neighbouring countries, while also meeting local demand for the commodity.
With the inauguration of the Sokoto Plant, and completion of the expanded plant in Okpella, Edo State, the Group’s installed capacity is expected to hit 8MMT by the end of 2018.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, said the ultra modern cement plant holds a significant promise for the local market, and has huge export potential to earn foreign exchange for the country.
Rabiu said: “In the event that we choose to export, the Forex savings and potential forex this could generate for the country is huge.”
Source: Daily Post
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