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Cement prices, BUA Cement needs to apologize to Nigerians

Published

2 years ago

September 1, 2024

A cross-section of Nigerians has expressed reservations about the inability of BUA Cement to keep to its promise of reducing the price of cement in the country.

This is coming on the heels of the statement credited to the Chairman of BUA Cement, Abdul Samad Rabiu, where he stated that cement dealers frustrated his company’s plan to sell cement at N3,500 per bag to Nigerians.

Speaking at the 8th Annual General Meeting of the company in Abuja, Rabiu said that while his company sold over a million tons of cement to dealers at N3, 500, per bag, with the intention that they would pass the benefits to end-users, the dealers sold a bag of cement to consumers at between N7000 and N8,000. According to him, BUA Cement could not stop the dealers whom he said made huge profits from the high margin because the company had no control over prices in the open market. He added that the Naira devaluation and the fuel subsidy removal also played roles in making the policy unsustainable.

However, some stakeholders faulted the position of the chairman of BUA Cement stating that he played to the gallery when he made the statement that cement would be sold at 3,500 per bag.

According to Kayode Animashaun, a major player in the cement business, he stated that cement manufacturers in the country have deliberately refused to bring down the prices of cement and instead elected to play to the gallery.

“ The recent excuse advanced by the chairman of Bua Cement is unacceptable. There is no way dealers would buy at 3,500 and sell at 8,000. It is a feeble attempt at giving a dog a bad name to hang it. We understand that gimmick they play most time. It is indeed a regime for de-marketing among the major players in the industry. The big players want to outshine each other and one of the ways they do it is to make statements in the public that are not in tune with the reality on the ground.”

“ It is a fraudulent regime and one that is laced with deceit. I can bet that Bua Cement played to the gallery and possibly gained market share. They knew they were not going to implement the proposed price regime but they saturated the media space with the falsehood that cement was going to be sold at 3,500 per bag.

This was corroborated by Ahmed Magaji, a stakeholder in the cement distribution value chain across the country. According to him, what is happening is a price war between the major players in the sector.

“ There is no way dealers would get a bag of cement for 3,500 and sell for 8,000. It is absurd. don’t forget that most of us dealers buy on credit and remit monies when we come for a new stock. Now here is the trick, do you think the manufacturer would continue to sell to us when they know that we are selling at 8,000? The position of Bua cement does not add up. They are trying to shift blame, which is very common with these businessmen.”

According to a source who works for one of the major cement companies in Nigeria, he stated that there is an ongoing price war between the major players in the sector. He further added that these players are out to maximize profit and it is common for them to push certain narratives in the public space.

“The case of BUA cement is one. They played a fast one on unsuspecting members of the general public, and they succeeded. The preference for BUA cement rose astronomically. But now, people are beginning to ask questions and the chairman had to come up with a statement blaming the cement dealers. We know how it works in this industry. BUA Cement played a fast one. But let’s see how long they can sustain it.”

In a similar vein, a cross-section of dealers interviewed thought that BUA cement owes Nigerians apologies for their inability to keep to their words with regards to cement selling for 3,500 per bag. A source who pleaded anonymity stated the position of BUA cement smacks of a mockery of the present administration.

“I had expected the management of BUA Cement to come out clean instead of shifting blame. They knew they were playing games when they made the announcement that cement was going to be sold for the amount they quoted. Now that the chicken has come home to roost they are in a tight corner and the best they could do is to shift blame to cement dealers.”

“I think the management of BUA Cement owes Nigerians apologies if they can’t achieve the 3,500 price for a bag of cement. That is the rational thing to do in this circumstance.”

It would be recalled that BUA Chairman Abdul-Samad Rabiu in 2023 promised that his company would sell a bag of cement at 3500 in 2024 after meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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Industrialist Lauds Kwara Gov Over Conferment Of Sardauna Title

Published

1 hour ago

September 18, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A renowned industrialist, Dr Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, has felicitated Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on his turbaning as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, describing the traditional title as a worthy recognition of his selfless service and humility.

In his congratulatory message, the Industrialist, who is the Group Managing Director of Kam Holding Limited, commended the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for finding the Governor worthy of the covetous title, adding that he had witnessed how AbdulRazaq administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise have created an environment where business and community life co-exist.

Yusuf recalled that the traditional title is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, noting that Governor AbdulRazaq has exemplified what it requires to be conferred with the title.

While appreciating the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, for gracing the conferment ceremony, the industrialist said the VP’s presence underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward Kwara.

“It gives me immense personal joy and pride to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your royal turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), on this Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

“This historic title is a fitting recognition of your selfless service, humility, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Kwara State. As an individual operating closely within Kwara’s industrial landscape and beyond through our globally recognised company, KAM Holding Ltd, I have witnessed firsthand how your administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise has created an environment where business and community life can thrive together.

“The title of Sardauna is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, and you have proven to be just that.

“I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), who honours our state by representing His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), at this grand event. Your presence in Ilorin, Vice President Shettima, underscores the federal government’s goodwill toward our state and adds great prestige to this milestone,” the congratulatory message read in part.

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KWSG Hails Foundation Over Skills Acquisition For Vulnerable People

Published

1 hour ago

September 18, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade has commended the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF) for the successful completion of its 14-day Vocational Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Training for 20 vulnerable people, noting that the technical support by the organisation showed its commitment to the well-being of the less privileged people in the society.

The Commissioner gave the commendation at the end of the training held at the Adolescent Friendly Center Facility, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin.

The Commissioner stated that the recovery process of survivors goes beyond immediate care and protection to include economic empowerment, skills acquisition and providing opportunities that would enable the beneficiaries to become independent and productive members of the society, adding that “the training represents an important step towards turning vulnerability into strength and creating a pathway to sustainable livelihoods”.

Chief (Mrs) Afolashade encouraged the participants to put the skills acquired into productive use and embrace every opportunity available to them to achieve their goals.

The Coordinator for the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), Dr Omotayo Oyerinde, said the training was meant to impact the lives of survivors and provide them with the skills needed to overcome life’s challenges.

The participants appreciated the RHHF for the training and pledged to continue to utilize the skills acquired for the betterment of their lives and development of the society.

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ASOHON Disowns Illegal Orphanage Home In Kwara

Published

1 hour ago

September 18, 2026

Our Reporter

As Govt Begins Rehabilitation Of 30 Rescued Children

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Kwara State chapter, has disowned the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, where 30 children were rescued by the state government, saying the facility was neither registered with the association nor known to it.

ASOHON, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Dr Mrs Omolehin Christie and the secretary, Ayub AbdulGaniy, said its members operated only recognised and approved homes and distanced itself from the facility a day after the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development carried out the rescue operation.

“The illegal orphanage recently detected by government officials, where 30 children were rescued, is not a registered member of our association and is not known to us,” the association stated.

The children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, were rescued from the unapproved facility in Ilorin on Thursday following concerns about their welfare and living conditions.

ASOHON said registered operators in the state were expected to comply with the rules and regulations governing the operation of childcare facilities.

“ASOHON Kwara State operates only recognised, registered, and approved homes that adhere to the guidelines and regulations of the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development,” it said.

The association further condemned the operation of unapproved homes, saying children in such facilities could be exposed to abuse, neglect and other forms of danger.

“We therefore totally dissociate ourselves from the operations of such illegal home(s) and condemn any act that endangers the welfare and safety of children,” ASOHON stated.

The association also commended the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, and officials of the ministry for their prompt intervention.

“We commend and sincerely thank the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Social Development and her dedicated staff for their prompt action and commitment to child protection in Kwara State,” the association said.

ASOHON said it would continue to collaborate with the ministry to ensure that children in the state are protected and adequately cared for.

“We remain committed to working with the Ministry to ensure all children in Kwara State are safe and well cared for,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has commenced the post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of the 30 children, who have been moved to a government-approved shelter.

The Ministry of Social Development said the children were receiving proper care, medical attention, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling as officials assessed their immediate and long-term needs.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children while determining their health, educational and family circumstances.

“The children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate,” the commissioner said.

She explained that children who could not be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities after proper documentation, assessment and follow-up.

Imam also directed all orphanages, children’s homes and other childcare institutions operating in Kwara State to ensure that they were duly registered and approved by the ministry.

She directed approved facilities to prominently display the inscription, “Approved by the Kwara State Government,” on their signposts to enable members of the public identify facilities authorised to operate.

The Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who participated in the rescue operation, said the intervention had reinforced the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders involved in child protection.

“This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together. We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives,” Abdulfatah said.

The ministry said efforts were ongoing to trace the families of the rescued children and determine appropriate care arrangements for those who could not be reunited with their relatives.