The Traffic

No Excuses! Slash Cement Prices Now" – Umahi Warns Manufacturers

By Achimi Muktar

Naira Gains, Fuel Prices Drop—So Why Is Cement Still Expensive?

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to cement manufacturers: cut prices to N7,000 or face government action.

Citing the strengthening naira and declining fuel prices, Umahi questioned why cement costs remain as high as N9,500 despite economic improvements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies.

"I'm happy that the policies of Mr. President are working. Today, a dollar is about N1,400, but when it was nearing N2,000, cement prices jumped from N7,500 to N9,500. Now that the exchange rate is stable, why hasn’t the price come down?" he asked.

The minister issued a one-week ultimatum to manufacturers to reduce prices or risk an official complaint to President Tinubu.

MTN, RCC in Hot Water Over Enugu-Onitsha Road Delay

Umahi didn’t stop at cement manufacturers. He also slammed telecom giant MTN and construction firm RCC Nigeria Ltd for delays in completing the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project.

Funded under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme, the road was expected to progress smoothly. However, Umahi expressed frustration over funding and execution setbacks.

At a high-level meeting in Abuja attended by Minister of State for Works Mohammad Bello Goronyo, Permanent Secretary O.O. Adebiyi, and representatives from MTN and RCC, Umahi set a firm May 10, 2026, deadline for the project’s completion.

"No More Excuses – Finish This Road!"

Umahi rejected RCC's demand for an additional N14 billion on the N38 billion project, calling it unjustified.

“There will be no price variation or adjustments on this project," he declared. "Going forward, RCC must adhere to contract terms, not operate at its whims and caprices.”

He also cautioned MTN, stating that business profits cannot come at the expense of public infrastructure.

“MTN must not sacrifice its funding responsibility at the altar of business profit. This will delay delivery and damage public trust in the government’s commitment to completing the project.”

"We Caught MTN Using Substandard Materials"

Addressing concerns about the ministry’s involvement in project oversight, Umahi justified government intervention, revealing that inspectors caught MTN using low-quality sand for the road.

"We discovered they were using peeled sand instead of river sand. I'm an engineer, not a history graduate. As a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, I know what quality means," Umahi said.

He emphasized that the government had already paid for river sand, warning that contractors cutting corners would not be tolerated.

"No More Delays – This Road Must Be Ready for Commissioning"

Both Goronyo and Adebiyi reinforced Umahi’s stance, demanding timely project execution and value for money. They urged RCC Nigeria Ltd to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) and ensure the expressway is completed on time.

In response, an MTN representative pledged to meet the deadline, but with Umahi keeping a close watch on progress, it remains to be seen if the telecom giant and its construction partner will deliver.

Cement Prices, Delayed Roads – Will Change Finally Happen?

Umahi’s bold stance puts cement manufacturers and road contractors on notice. With economic conditions improving, the question remains: Will prices drop and roads be completed as promised, or will Nigerians be forced to endure business as usual?