Reps threaten arrest of Dangote Cement mgt over price hike

The House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on the arbitrary increase in the price of cement, on Tuesday, threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at its next hearing.

Recall that the legislative chamber had on May 7, 2024, issued a 14-day ultimatum to cement manufacturers to appear before its joint committee and make their submissions on the arbitrary increment of cement prices in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi, gave the summon at a public hearing to investigate the arbitrary increase in the price of cement in Nigeria by cement manufacturers, organised by House Joint Committees on Commerce, Industry, Special Duties, and Solid Minerals in Abuja.

At the hearing on Tuesday, officials of the cement company were absent; a development that did not sit well with the committee.

The special panel while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, expressed worry that the cost of the product has become unaffordable to many Nigerians, given the current economic situation in the country.

It mandated the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before it in two weeks to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefit of the people.

In a brief remark at the event, Gbefwi who represents Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party accused cement manufacturers of making life difficult for the masses, smiling at the banks without empathy.

“They want to over-profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given them this platform.

“On Dangote, my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.

“Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued. A warrant of arrest will be given for you to make an appearance before the National Assembly. No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly”, Jonathan warned.