The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on cement manufacturers to slash prices to N7,000 per bag, citing the strengthened naira and falling petrol prices as justification for the adjustment.
Umahi emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies have contributed to stabilizing the exchange rate, bringing the dollar down to approximately N1,400 from nearly N2,000, a move he says should reflect in the pricing of construction materials.
"At the time the dollar was almost N2,000, cement prices rose from N7,500. Now that the President has stabilized the exchange rate, why is cement still selling at N9,500?" Umahi questioned.
The minister issued a one-week ultimatum for cement manufacturers to reduce prices or risk an official complaint to President Tinubu.
Government Warns MTN, RCC Over Delayed Enugu-Onitsha Expressway Project
During a high-level meeting in Abuja, Umahi also cautioned telecom giant MTN and construction company RCC Nigeria Ltd over delays in executing the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project, which is being funded under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme.
Key resolutions from the meeting include:
✅ Firm deadline set for project completion by May 10, 2026
✅ No price variation (VOP) or additional costs will be entertained
✅ MTN must ensure uninterrupted funding
✅ RCC must adhere to government standards and agreed terms
Umahi warned MTN against prioritizing profits over public interest, insisting that delays in funding would impact public perception of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
"MTN must not sacrifice its responsibility of funding the project at the altar of business profit, as this will wittingly or unwittingly inhibit speedy delivery," he stated.
Quality Control Measures & RCC’s N14 Billion Demand Rejected
Addressing concerns over material quality, Umahi defended the government’s decision to halt the use of substandard materials by RCC, revealing that the firm had been using peeled sand instead of river sand for construction.
"We gave a directive, which is in line with the general conditions of contract, that they should stop using such sand and go back to using river sand, which we paid for," Umahi explained.
Additionally, he rejected RCC’s request for an additional N14 billion on a N38 billion project, labeling it an unjustifiable demand due to inflation.
Government Insists on Timely Completion
Reaffirming the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) vision, Umahi, alongside Minister of State for Works Mohammad Bello Goronyo and Permanent Secretary O.O. Adebiyi, insisted on timely execution and strict compliance with contractual obligations.
MTN representatives pledged to meet the new project timeline, ensuring the completion of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by May 2026.
This development underscores the government’s firm stance on infrastructure delivery, aiming to improve road networks, reduce construction costs, and enhance project efficiency nationwide.
