The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has announced a new policy on cement which restricts the use of the 32.5 grade cement and urged manufacturers to begin production of the high-grade 42.5MPA.
Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu said his organisation intends to enforce restriction in the use of the 32.5 low-grade, stressing that the continued production of 32.5 low-grade was for profiteering.
However, cement manufacturers in Nigeria have expressed displeasure over the new government policy on the product, saying it will lead to increase in the price and shortage of the product. In addition they are claiming that the restriction placed on the usage of 32.5 grade of cement was an indirect ban on the product, which they say was not acceptable to them, arguing that the use of 32.5 grade of cement was not responsible for the incessant collapse of buildings as being witnessed in the country.
According to the Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge WAPCO, Joe Hudson, the 32.5 grade was not the cause of building collapse in Nigeria, adding that the grade is the best multipurpose cement used in many counties for many years.
Hudson added that the new policy of the government to restrict the 32.5 grade will affect the investment on cement. He argues that the 32.5 grade has served and is still serving manufacturers, builders and corporate organisations well. “The greatest buildings in Nigeria like the Cocoa House, the NITEL building and other skyscrapers were constructed using this particular brand of cement. They are still standing and being used,” he argued.
He further said on the grassroots level, this is the brand used in constructing most residential buildings which have stood the test of time.
Managing Director, Ashaka Cement, Leonard Palka says the restriction on the 32.5 grade cement is not acceptable adding that SON’s directive is unprofessional and capable of killing the industry.
Managing Director, United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited, UNICEM, Olivier Lenoire, concurs that it is not fair to say that cement is the cause of building collapse, because the issue on ground is more of competition and not technical.
