The House of Representatives has taken summoned major cement manufacturers including Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, Lafarge Cement, Asaka Cement, and Eagle Cement to appear before its joint committee within 14 days over the recent surge in cement prices.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the summons came during a public hearing led by Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, as part of the ongoing investigation into the arbitrary increase in cement prices in Nigeria.
The House had previously moved a motion on March 13, 2024, to address this issue, leading to the formation of a Joint Committee for investigation.
Despite the urgency of the matter, none of the cement manufacturers attended the hearing or sent representatives to make submissions, drawing criticism from Rep. Gbefwi.
He emphasized the House’s commitment to serving the interests of Nigerians and warned against exploiting consumers.
In response to the manufacturers’ absence, Rep. Gbefwi affirmed the House’s authority to conduct investigations without restraint and issued a stern warning, stating, “We will use everything within our powers to make sure that Nigerians are not taken for granted and are not exploited.”
Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu reiterated the House’s dedication to promoting industrialization and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through appropriate legislation.
With millions of Nigerians feeling the strain of escalating cement prices, the House’s proactive stance signals a determination to safeguard consumer interests and hold manufacturers accountable for their pricing practices.
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