Nigeria to Import 10.5Mt of cement in 2006
Minister of Industry, Fidelis Tapgun said yesterday the country has concluded plans to import about 10.5mt of cement before the end of the year.
Speaking at an interactive session with cement stakeholders in Nigeria in Abuja, Ambassador Tapgun noted that the ineptitude of the cement stakeholders has made the nation not to meet the target of being self-sufficient in cement production in 2005, adding that the national demand of cement was12Mt, against local production of 3Mt.
According to him, the ban on importation of cement was geared towards enhancing local production, but was quick to add that this challenge to produce locally was not met, even as he said the actions of stakeholders in the cement industry in the country failed to show seriousness and commitment to government policy aimed at making Nigeria self sufficient in cement manufacturing.
"Considering the trend of cement consumption in the country it has been estimated that national demand for cement would increase by 10 per cent in 2006. By implication the national demand for cement might be about 14Mt in 2006.
"Going by this the various projections of the local plants, 3.2Mt would be manufactured locally in 2006. Consequently we have failed to meet the target of being self sufficient in cement production in 2005", he noted.
Published under Cement News
