By Our Correspondent
Another Cement Company has begun operation in Kogi state that would further ensure availability of the product in Nigerian market.
Currently in Nigeria, a bag of cement is sold at between N7,500 and N8,000 depending on the location of purchase. This is even as over 70% of raw materials needed for its production are sourced locally. By this price, Nigeria is reportedly ranked topmost in West Africa with highest price of cement.
Pundits versed with facts in the sector attribute the unabated price soar to alleged monopoly which they blame on the Africa’s Wealthiest man and President of Dangote Group; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, producer of Dangote Cement.
He is alleged to have been the brains behind the non-functionality of most cement companies in Nigeria including Ibeto Cement, etc. Dangote is also reported to have been in fierce monopolistically-related battle with his close rival, BUA Cement.
But, there seems to be a sigh of relief as Alhaji Dahiru Mangal CON, has completed a $1.5 billion cement plant in Kogi State.
It is learnt that the first bag of the product was launched yesterday in a grand ceremony, marking a key milestone for Mangal Cement Company. The Plant is said to have the capacity to produce about 200 trucks of cement daily.
The company when fully operational would create 10,000 direct and many more indirect jobs.