By Franklin Alli
CEMENT producers in the country, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to continue to support and protect the local industry from unfair competition, saying the industry is still at investments stage.”

The Chairman of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Engr. Joseph Makoju, who made the call during the launch of 52.5N quality Portland cement grades into the market by Dangote Cement Plc, said “Government should help us to protect this industry; people like Dangote has stuck his neck out and invested heavily in the sector.

“The industry is still at investment stage because many of our plants are still new. As we are talking now, Dangote is building extra lines at Ibese and Obajana.  So, when you are in this stage of investment, you need to be protected,” he said.

Makoju,  who is also the Honorary Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, described the introduction of the new cement grade by the company as ground breaking, saying “Nigeria is now one of the best quality producers of cement in the world. No matter the sophistication of the structure, this is the best grade for any civil construction. Dangote did not create the standard. The standard has been there, we have only blazed the trail by starting its production. It is good for lead bearing columns.”

He further noted that with this development, there are no more excuses for cement imports into the country.

Devakumar Edwin, Group Managing Director/CEO, said that with the higher grade of cement quality, the incidence of building collapse in the country could be controlled.  “For the past three months we have test-run the new products and it is now available in the markets.   In the second half of this year, we are coming out with yet another new superior product,” he disclosed.

He explained that the Portland cement is produced in conformity with Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS 444-1-2003 and other relevant standards.

He said that in addition to the 42.5, the 52.5grade are now being produced at the company’s three plants in  Ibese, Ogun state, Gboko, Benue state and Obajana in Kogi state, and selling for the same amount as the lower grade 42.5N type.

“We are not only coming out with good products, we are also educating users of cement; it is important for the customer to see that the application of cement is done properly  so that the full potential of the cement can be seen in the construction,” he said.

Knut Ulvmoen, Group Executive Director, said beyond producing quality cement, we are adding capacity to end users on usage of cement. He urged cement users not just buy cement but buy quality cement that meets their construction needs.