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No More N14,000/Bag: Dangote Cement Breaks Silence on New Prices Nationwide

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Dangote, BUA Release New Cement Price Nationwide

The chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, has explained why cement prices remain high across Nigeria, attributing the persistent increases to rising energy costs and the impact of foreign exchange on production expenses.

His comments come amid growing concerns from Nigerians over the soaring cost of building materials, with many calling on the government to intervene as cement prices continue to put pressure on construction projects and housing development.

Speaking during the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Dangote Cement Plc in Lagos, Ikazoboh said energy remains the biggest cost component in cement manufacturing, accounting for about 60 per cent of total production expenses.

Energy, dollar exchange rate driving costs According to Ikazoboh, cement manufacturers rely heavily on gas, coal, and diesel to power their operations. He noted that gas, one of the key energy sources, is sold in United States dollars, exposing manufacturers to exchange rate fluctuations. He explained that the continued depreciation of the naira against the US dollar has significantly increased production costs, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain lower prices.

According to Ikazoboh, cement manufacturers rely heavily on gas, coal, and diesel to power their operations. He noted that gas, one of the key energy sources, is sold in United States dollars, exposing manufacturers to exchange rate fluctuations.

He explained that the continued depreciation of the naira against the US dollar has significantly increased production costs, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain lower prices. “To produce a bag of cement, we need energy, which constitutes about 60 per cent of the production cost. To generate that energy, we use gas, coal or diesel,” he said.

“Gas is sold to us in US dollars, and its price continues to increase. We all know the impact of the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira. As a result, the cost of generating energy keeps rising.”

His remarks offer one of the clearest explanations yet from the country’s largest cement producer on the factors behind recent price increases.