President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive to major cement manufacturers, including Dangote and BUA, to revert to previous prices of the commodity.

The announcement came after the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, inspected the BUA cement factory in Sokoto on Thursday, where he conveyed the directive to the manufacturers.

During a recent meeting with the cement producers, President Tinubu pointed out the importance of affordability in the construction sector, aligning with the federal government’s initiatives on housing and infrastructure development.

Umahi, speaking on the directive, said, “I want to encourage them to abide by the directive of Mr. President so that we can achieve a massive housing program and the renewed hope agenda of concrete roads by the President.”

He commended BUA for completing its 5th production line, a move expected to significantly boost the company’s production capacity and address market demands.

“When the chairman of the company visited Mr. President last week, he assured that the 5th line would soon commence operation. With my visit here, I can confirm that the 5th line, though waiting to be commissioned, has already commenced operation,” Umahi remarked, attesting to the company’s commitment to increasing cement supply in the market.

Senator Aminu Tambuwal, accompanied by the Senate Committee Chairman on Housing, highlighted ongoing federal government infrastructure projects, including a 372-kilometer dual carriageway from Zaria to Sokoto State, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for durable roads utilizing both asphalt and concrete.

Tambuwal applauded BUA’s management for efficiency and adherence to high standards while urging the company to ensure that the increased production capacity translates into enhanced availability and affordability of cement for Nigerians, in line with the administration’s goal of housing for all.

Engineer Yusuf Binji, Managing Director of BUA, reassured stakeholders that the commencement of operations on the 5th line would lead to a significant increase in cement production, contributing to reduced market prices and making the essential building material more accessible to a broader segment of Nigerians.