LAGOS/By Dipo Awojobi – Lagos State Bricklayers Association (LSBA) has faulted the Federal Government over what they termed outrageous price of cement across the country.
The group said that there should be additional manufacturers of the product so as to create check and a competitive market to appropriate the demand and supply for cheaper prices.
The group, which stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, with banners with inscription “We Say No To High Price of Cement Brand,” argued that with the high price of cement they have been experiencing shortage of patronage by their customers daily, adding that many Nigerians have complained of their inability to afford cement to complete their building projects.
According to a press statement by the association and co-signed by the President of the group, Deacon Abel Kayode and the Secretary, Akinmoladun Olaniyi, they said that “in our view, the Lagos State government upholds the right to shelter all its residents and will prevent fissure on individuals rights to shelter. Although we have taken a step to meet with the management of the major cement producing company in this country (Dangote Cement) on the 3rd day of April, 2014 upon the unveiling of some cement products and after we have been assured that we will be able to purchase cement 32.5 at N1,150 and 3X (42.5R) at the price of N1,250, the prices still escalated afterwards and presently we purchase a bag of cement within the price range of N2,300 and N2,600”
“We aimed to use this rally as a means of informing and seeking the interference of the government at all levels on our distress and inability to cope with the high price of cement and lack of options and choice of brands of cement to buy, as we are stocked with only two brands of cement (Dangote Cement and Lafarge Cement across the country). Hence, the reason for manufacturers’ overrated and extremely high price,” said the group.
Addressing members of the association on behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmaker representing Alimosho Constituency 1, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, sympathised with the group, assuring them of presenting their proposal to the Speaker for consideration.
Yusuf explained that he believes that the group is representing the interest of the generality of Nigerians, stating that the high cost of cement and building materials generally is high and unaffordable by end users.
He added that the members of the Assembly felt their pains and that the lawmakers would do their best in making sure that the government sees to the reduction of prices of building materials.
He eulogised the group for their peaceful conduct, and advised them not to allow hoodlums to hijack their rally.
