The Joint Committee on the arbitrary increase in the price of cement of the House of Representatives’ on Tuesday threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to show up at its next hearing.
News About Nigeria gathered that the legislative chamber had issued a 14-day ultimatum to cement manufacturers to appear before its joint committee and make their submissions on the increment of cement prices in Nigeria on May 7, 2024.
The summon was made by the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi.
However, at the meeting which was held today, officials of Dangote cement company were absent.
Reacting to the development which did not sit well with him, Gbefwi noted that the House would take drastic measures against the leadership of the company as no one is bigger than the National Assembly.
Also, while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, Gbefwi expressed worry that the cost of the product has become unaffordable to many Nigerians because of the current economic situation in the country.
He accused cement manufacturers of making life difficult for the masses while they are smiling to the banks without empathy.
He also mandated the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before it in two weeks to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefit of the people.
In his own words, “They want to over-profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given them this platform.
“On Dangote, my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date. Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued. A warrant of arrest will be given for you to make an appearance before the National Assembly. No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”
