Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has announced plans to engage with cement and building material manufacturers in Nigeria to tackle the persistent increase in the cost of these essential commodities.
The initiative aims to address the challenges hindering the affordability of housing in Nigeria by mitigating the rising prices of building materials.
A statement issued by Mark Chieshe, SA Media to the Hon. Minister, outlined the objectives of the proposed meeting, emphasizing the need to understand sectoral challenges and devise sustainable solutions to curb escalating costs.
Dangiwa highlighted his concern over the recurring and disproportionate surge in cement prices, despite the local sourcing of raw materials by manufacturers. Expressing dismay at the frequent hikes, he stressed the need for transparency and accountability in pricing mechanisms.
“I am going to be meeting with these manufacturers soon, so that they can explain to Nigerians their reasons for such incessant hikes,” Dangiwa affirmed. He refuted any justification for the price increases, citing abundant local resources used in cement production.
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Assuring stakeholders of the administration’s dedication to providing affordable housing, Dangiwa reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to creating livable communities for low- and medium-income earners.
The forthcoming discussions between the Minister and industry stakeholders signal a proactive approach towards addressing affordability challenges in the housing sector and advancing the National Affordable Housing Delivery Programme for Nigerian Workers (NAHDEP).