The rising incidence of building collapses in Nigeria, has been attributed to the arbitrary increase in cement prices by producers.
This assertion was made by the President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Sadiq Abubakar, during an investigative hearing held on Monday by the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Solid Minerals, Industry, Commerce, and Special Duties.
Abubakar, speaking at the hearing, highlighted the direct impact of cement price hikes on the quality and safety of construction projects.
“You will agree with me that an increase in the price of cement is one of the key culprits of building collapse.
I am trying to connect the hike in the price of cement with the standardisation in our building and the direct connection of building collapse.
There is a connection with that, and I think this is something we must interrogate,” he stated.
The hearing was convened to probe the recent surge in cement prices, a move that has drawn significant concern from various stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Joint Committee and member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, Gaza Gbewfi, echoed Abubakar’s sentiments.
Gbewfi also emphasized the broader economic implications of the price increase, noting its effect on housing costs.
“Anything that has to do with livelihood should be treated as an emergency,” he remarked.
The committee summoned the Chairman of the Cement Producers Association of Nigeria, David Iweta, for questioning.
Iweta, who did not attend the hearing on Monday and had previously declined two invitations, was urged to appear before the committee to address the issue.
The committee also warned the association against using frivolous court injunctions to obstruct its investigation, highlighting that their work is protected under the 1999 constitution (as amended).
In addition to summoning Iweta, the joint committee also questioned representatives from the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute and the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Council (FCCPC) regarding the arbitrary price increases.
Gbewfi expressed dissatisfaction with the FCCPC’s efforts to protect consumers, particularly criticizing the representative of the FCCPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Boladale Adeyinka.
“You are a mother that has forgotten your children,” Gbewfi said, urging the agency to take stronger action in safeguarding consumer interests.
