The House of Representatives’ joint committees investigating the arbitrary price hike of cement in the country have issued a 14-day ultimatum to cement manufacturers, including Dangote Cement and BUA Cement, to appear before them or face the full legislative power of the House.
Chairing the committee, which comprises Solid Minerals, Commerce, Industry, and Special Duties, Mr. Gaza Gbefwi also summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals to appear on May 21st, 2024.
Mr. Gbefwi expressed dismay over the stakeholders’ non-appearance, affirming that there’s no court injunction preventing the committees from fulfilling their constitutional duty.
He explained that the investigative hearing aimed to find solutions to the hardships caused by the exorbitant cost of cement and not to witch hunt anyone.
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, especially considering Nigeria’s staggering 28 million units housing deficit
The Speaker highlighted the critical need for affordable cement to tackle this challenge as a spike in cement prices has severely affected the building environment and the entire economy.
The Speaker reiterated the House’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and stressed the importance of transparency in the cement industry.
Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji
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