The House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on the arbitrary increase in cement prices has issued a stern warning to the management of Dangote Cement, threatening arrest if they fail to appear at the next hearing.
On May 7, 2024, the legislative chamber gave cement manufacturers a 14-day ultimatum to present their submissions on the rising cement prices in Nigeria. The Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi, reiterated this demand during a public hearing organized by the Joint Committees on Commerce, Industry, Special Duties, and Solid Minerals in Abuja.
Despite the committee’s directive, officials from Dangote Cement were conspicuously absent from the hearing on Tuesday. This absence was met with strong disapproval from the committee members.
The committee expressed grave concerns about the unaffordability of cement for many Nigerians amid the current economic challenges. They emphasized the need for a downward review of cement prices to alleviate the financial burden on the populace.
In addition to summoning Dangote Cement, the committee mandated the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear within two weeks to discuss potential solutions for the price hike.
Gbefwi, who represents the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State, criticized cement manufacturers for prioritizing profits over the welfare of citizens. “They want to over-profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given them this platform,” he stated.
He issued a clear warning to Dangote Cement: “We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date. Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued. A warrant of arrest will be given for you to make an appearance before the National Assembly. No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”
The committee’s firm stance underscores its commitment to addressing the cement price issue for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
