The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has called on cement manufacturers across Nigeria to reduce the price of cement, warning that the current cost of the commodity is putting pressure on infrastructure projects and fueling demands for contract reviews.
In an official signed statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), Francis Nwaze, disclosed that Umahi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, at the Lagos Continental Hotel on June 21, 2026.
Addressing industry leaders, investors and stakeholders at the event, the Minister said the Federal Government would begin engagements with cement manufacturers from July 1 to address the rising cost of cement and its impact on ongoing construction projects across the country.
“I want to insist that Lafarge, now HBM, and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices,” Umahi said.
He added, “We shall be engaging on this from First of July. Manufacturers of cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are choking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their cost.”
The Minister noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making significant investments in critical infrastructure nationwide, creating substantial opportunities for manufacturers and investors. He urged HBM and other cement producers to expand their production capacity to meet the growing demands generated by the government’s infrastructure development agenda.
Commending the company for its transition and continued commitment to the Nigerian market, Umahi assured its management of the Federal Government’s support and partnership.
“I commend you very highly and I say welcome onboard and we are going to work together. The market is smaller than what the President is doing. So, enlarge your coast,” he stated.
The Minister also highlighted what he described as the remarkable achievements being recorded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of infrastructure development. He cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a major example of the administration’s commitment to national transformation and economic growth.
According to Umahi, the project has continued to attract international recognition for its quality and scale.
“When the Dudge Bank came to evaluate our project, they said it was undervalued and that the project is of topmost quality. Today, our neighbouring nations are coming to steal the technology of the Coastal Highway,” he said.
The Minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the leadership driving the nation’s infrastructure renewal efforts and assured Nigerians that the administration remains focused on restoring prosperity and development across the country.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I commit that Mr President is committed to retake this country. The President knows what he is doing. The vision and mission are achievable and we are on course and this country will be taken back for the good of Nigerians,” Umahi stated.
