Nigeria holds the record for the world’s highest cement prices, says David Iweta, National Chairman of the Cement Producers Association of Nigeria (CEPAN). Despite claims by major cement plant owners, a 7-10 million metric tonne shortfall hampers meeting local demand due to increased construction.
Iweta urges President Bola Tinubu to break the cement production monopoly, advocating for new players with verifiable local investments. He suggests updating unused quarry licenses, encouraging exploration, and financial support to bridge the gap between importation and local production within two to three years. In a letter to Tinubu, Iweta emphasizes the pivotal role of reasonably priced cement in addressing infrastructure, housing, and revenue challenges.
