Nigeria sets up technical committee to review quality

The government of Nigeria has set up a technical committee to review the quality of cement produced within the country and is said to be evaluating the impact of eliminating 32.5 grade cement.

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) had earlier relaxed the minimum standard for cement used in the country from 42.5 grade to 32.5 grade. However, Joseph Odumodu, director general of the organisation, said that a committee was already reviewing the current standard and weighing the implication and impacts of removing 32.5 grade on the domestic economy and cement prices.

Odumodu said the committee would take a holistic look on the quality of building materials in the country. However stated that issue of standardsisation could not be left in the hands of one agency alone. He underlined the importance of input from other stakeholders in the country, including related regulatory agencies, civil society groups, manufacturers, the academia and consumers.