Works minister David Umahi and Aminu Tambuwal, chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, inspected the newly constructed BUA Cement’s fifth plant in Sokoto on Thursday.

Mr Umahi, who was in Sokoto to inspect the reconstruction of a 372km dual road from Sokoto to Zaria in Kaduna, urged BUA cement’s management to reduce cement prices.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to stabilising the Naira’s value and assured the public that efforts were underway to address the rising costs of commodities.

The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu was deeply concerned with escalating commodity prices, including cement.

During a meeting with the manufacturers, he revealed that the president had directed cement companies to revert to the previous prices.

“I encourage them to comply with the president’s directive, facilitating a massive housing programme and the national agenda for concrete roads,” he stated.

Regarding the fifth plant, Umahi commended the company’s commitment and expressed confidence in the product’s quality, aligning with the government’s objectives.

In his remarks, Mr Tambuwal emphasised the importance of cement production in the housing sector, praising the collaboration between the government and BUA cement.

“I believe this partnership will greatly support the Federal Government’s initiative to provide affordable housing, addressing the significant housing gap in the country,” he said.

Mr Tambuwal congratulated BUA for its steadfastness, saying it will contribute significantly to the government’s initiative.

The BUA managing director, Yusuf Binji, assured us that the fifth plant would significantly increase daily cement production, contributing to lower market prices.

“The new plant will add 165 trucks to our daily production capacity, further driving down the product’s price in the market,” Mr Binji affirmed.

(NAN)