The Nigeria Institute of Building, Lagos Chapter, urges the Federal Government to intervene and subsidize cement in the country.
The call came up during the press briefing in preparation for the 32nd Builders Conference theme “Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management” recently in Lagos State.
Adeboye Thomas, the Vice Chairman of NIOB, Lagos State Chapter also stated that the intervention of the Federal Government is needed to stop the inflated cost of cement.
He added that production is based on foreign exchange, which is bad and cannot be taken away from the manufacturers of that cement because they want to make a profit.
However, in developed countries, there is an intervention of the government. If there is a need for the government to provide subsidies they should do it. If not, substandard materials will keep trending and cause more buildings to collapse.
It is not sustainable to purchase cement at N5,000 or more. Hence, it would lead to the building collapsing as a developer will want to make a profit, and they will do this by using quack and substandard materials.
Government intervention is essential either by reducing or collaborating with the manufacturers.
Furthermore, Ogundare Abiodun, the Honorary Secretary, NIOB, Lagos State Chapter said the government should intrude in the area where the cost of production can be reduced, especially for the raw materials.
He added that 10% of the material used for the production of cement is imported and we have more than 90% here in the country. If 90% is here, the government can make sure the cost of production is reduced when producing locally.
