Umahi Tells Manufacturers To Reduce Cement Prices Over Contractors’ Complaints
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has called on cement manufacturers across the country to immediately reduce the price of cement.
According to a statement issued by the Minster’s Spokesperson, Francis Nwaze on Monday, Umahi explained that the current cost of the product was placing pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects and increasing demands for contract variations.
Umahi made the call while delivering keynote address at the official unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on June 21, 2026.
Speaking before industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that the Federal Government would engage cement manufacturers from July 1 to address the issue of cement prices.
“We shall be engaging on this from First of July. Manufacturer of Cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are chocking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their cost”, he said.
Since his appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi has been a strong champion for the use of concrete technology for road construction as a permanent solution to perennial road failures across the country.
He advocates for concrete pavements over traditional asphalt due to their superior durability, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with local content policies.
Umahi subsequently mandated that contractors handling major federal roads must utilize concrete technology or face redesigns. This has increased the demand for cement across the country.
