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Reps summon Billionaire Dangote, BUA, others over incessant increase in price
Disturbed by the incessant increase in price of cement the House of Reps on Wednesday invited top cement manufacturers, Dangote, BUA amongst others to explain this ugly development.
The legislative body has also tasked its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Commerce, Industry, and Special Duties with investigating the surge in cement prices across the country.
This initiative was sparked by a motion presented by Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi and Hon. Ademorin Kuye during a plenary session in Abuja.
The lawmakers raised alarms over a dramatic upsurge in cement prices by as much as 50%, which has significantly driven up the costs of building blocks, overall construction expenses, and consequently, the price of rent nationwide.
A critical point highlighted during the motion is the localization of cement manufacturing’s raw materials, such as lime, silica, alumina, iron oxide, and gypsum, which shields the industry from exchange rate fluctuations.
Additionally, it was noted that the production factors and elements of the cement production flow chart have remained stable over the years, casting doubt on the justification for the price increase.
Hon. Gbefwi expressed deep concern over the manufacturers’ apparent exploitation of exchange rate volatility as a pretext for unjustified price hikes.
He accused the cement industry’s leaders of inflicting undue hardship on Nigerians by driving up the costs of rent and related services, despite stable production costs.
He said, “The increase is a direct affront and sabotage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s effort to bring comfort to the populace and should be resolved immediately.”
Also speaking on the motion, Yusuf Gagdi stated that despite all the interventions by the federal government to make business easy for cement manufacturers , the hike in price was not necessary.
Hon Babajimi Benson also speaking said “It has to do with production cost , let us have a sectoral debate , let us hear from them, lets invite the manufacturers with relevant committees to ask questions.
Hon Sada Soli also speaking on the matter called on the House to understand with the cement manufactures, adding that the cost of production is a major factor .
“Let us understand if it has to do with cost of production .They do not rely on national grid they generate their own power, let us be compassionate when it comes to issues of national economy . These people can withdraw their investments.”
The committee is expected to report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
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Cholera outbreak: Senator Manu wades in provides medical equipment to Gassol PHC to curb spread (Photos)
Senator Manu Haruna has waded in to quickly checkmate the spread of Cholera by immediately providing medical equipment to Gassol Primary Health Centre in Gassol Local Government of Taraba Central.
Senator Manu immediately got the wind of the cholera outbreak which had affected several areas in Gassol Local Government Area, ordered for the medical equipment.
The medical equipment was presented on Thursday in Gassol town through the Chairman of Gassol Local Government Council, Hon. Abubakar Baffa Nanu, alongside Alhaji Raubilu Umar, representing the Senator.
This quick response further demonstrates Senator Manu’s commitment to addressing health challenges in his senatorial district and ensuring that communities have the resources needed to combat public health crises.
See photos below:
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I’m simply custodian of land in Abuja, empowered to fight land grabbers
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, says he is in charge of land in Abuja and is only dealing with land grabbers.
Wike, who spoke on Thursday at a Thanksgiving service organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ahoada East and West local government areas of Rivers State, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve in his government.
Wike said if Tinubu did not give him the opportunity to serve, he wouldn’t have known the way Nigeria is.
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He denied the accusations made against him that he is a land grabber, saying that as the FCT Minister, he is in charge of lands in Abuja and cannot in anyway grab land.
He said, “Those who are grabbing land are the people I am dealing with and that is why we must thank Mr President, if he didn’t give us this opportunity we would not have known the way this country is.
“Do not bother, people say controversial if being controversial is because you want the right thing to be done, I prefer it so.
“People say land grabbing, do you grab what you are in charge? I am in charge of land in Abuja, how will I go and grab what I am in charge?
“Here in Rivers, we thought it was difficult but when you go to a capital territory of a country you know that you are dealing with entire Nigerians.
“People think that because yesterday nobody was able to implement rules, it means that today, nobody would be able to do it. It means that tomorrow nobody will be able to do it. No, it is not like that. The mere fact that no government was able to do it yesterday doesn’t mean that this Renewed Hope Agenda government can not do it today.
“That is why I can assure you that no matter the cry you cry, no matter the propaganda you carry, I will do what is right. If you like give me any name you want to give me. You heard what the president said, Nigerians do not like to comply.
“Simple thing, comply, because they think some of us, you can threaten us, you can blackmail us, it is fake. It won’t work. I do not even know whether you are blackmailing me, I am not interested. My interest is that I am doing what is right and even if heaven comes, I will still do it.”
Earlier in his welcome address the former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, commended President Tinubu for appointing Wike as the minister of the FCT.
He said Wike has showed to Nigerians that what he did in Rivers State was not a fluke, but it’s his nature to transform states and cities.
He said that Wike is working and transforming Abuja.
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SAD! Double loss for Jigawa gov, loses mother, son same day
It was double tragedy for the Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State as he lost his 24-year-old son, Abdulwahab, on Thursday, a day after his mother, Maryam passed on.
Abdulwahab died in a road crash when he was going to Kafin-Hausa local government area of Jigawa state for the condolence of his grandmother who was buried on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the vehicle in which the Governor’s son was riding in had a on-head collision with a Volkswagen golf resulting in his instant death.
One other person also died in the accident.
The statement by the Governor Namadi’s spokesperson reads: “With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.
“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.
“The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.
“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings.
“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him,” Mr Gumel stated.
The Jigawa governor had also on Wednesday announced the death of his mother, Maryam Namadi-Umar, after a brief illness.
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