A group, Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders has condemned vehemently the abominable increase in the prices of cement in the country.
The group hinted that the development would render most Nigerian families homeless if not checked.
The group said it was totally condemnable to sell a bag of cement for N5,000 per bag in a country where so many families go to bed hungry.
The President General of the group, Goodluck Ibem, said in a statement on Saturday that the high cost of cement would force landlords to increase their house rent beyond the reach of the common man.
“Cement that is sold N5,000 in Nigeria, is sold at the rate of N300 in some other countries. This is wickedness taken too far.
“The Federal Government should liberalize the cement business by giving licences to Nigerians who are capable of doing the business. Competition in business remains the only way to get the best quality of goods and services at a reduced considerate price.
“Why would the Federal Government give licence of producing Cement to only one man in a country that is over 250 million people, if not for the simple reason of oppressing them.
“The high cost of cement has greatly reduced the rate of development as those intending to build companies, industries and new buildings cannot do so because of the exorbitant rate of cement. The economy is on a standstill. Nothing is moving.
“We therefore demand that the Federal Government should reduce the price of a bag of cement to N1,000.
“The Federal Government should give licence to Nigerians who are ready to do the cement business while also creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.”
