The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has taken proactive steps to address the escalating costs of cement by convening a crucial meeting with key players in the industry. Despite the significant demand for cement from both road construction and housing development sectors, there has been a notable surge in its price, prompting concerns about its affordability and accessibility.In response to this pressing issue, the Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna Orji, issued a statement on behalf of the Ministry, announcing the urgent meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Mabushi, Abuja. The objective of this gathering is to engage in a constructive dialogue with major cement manufacturers operating in Nigeria, including industry giants like Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Lafarge, and others.The Minister highlighted the significance of addressing the widening gap between the ex-factory prices set by cement manufacturers and the prevailing market rates. While acknowledging the existence of challenges faced by cement manufacturers, Minister Umahi emphasized the necessity of finding viable solutions to mitigate these disparities. The overarching goal of the meeting is to foster collaboration and consensus among stakeholders to ensure a more equitable and sustainable pricing mechanism for cement products in the market.By convening this meeting, the Ministry of Works demonstrates its commitment to proactively addressing issues that impact infrastructure development and construction activities across the country. Through open dialogue and collective problem-solving, the Ministry aims to chart a path forward that promotes stability, affordability, and accessibility within the cement industry. Ultimately, the outcomes of this meeting are expected to benefit not only contractors and developers but also the broader economy by facilitating smoother project implementation and driving sustainable growth in the construction sector.