The Federal Government has renewed its call on cement manufacturers to reduce the price of cement, warning that the current cost of the product is putting pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects and creating concerns among contractors.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, made the appeal on Sunday during the unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge Africa, which has been renamed HBM following its acquisition by China-based HUAXIN Group.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.

Addressing industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, Umahi said the government would begin formal discussions with cement manufacturers from July 1, 2026, in a bid to address the persistent increase in cement prices.

The minister insisted that manufacturers must find ways to reduce production costs instead of relying on government adjustments to project contracts whenever material prices rise.

“The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has called on cement manufacturers across the country to immediately reduce the price of cement, insisting that the current cost of the product is placing pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects and increasing demands for contract variations,” the statement said.

Umahi added that cement producers, including HBM and other manufacturers, needed to review their costs because contractors had been mounting pressure on him to approve contract reviews due to rising cement prices.

“I want to insist that Lafarge now HBM and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices. We shall be engaging on this from July 1, 2026. Manufacturer of Cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are chocking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their cost,” he said.

According to the minister, lowering cement prices would support the completion of major infrastructure projects while also making the product more affordable for Nigerians involved in housing and other construction activities.

He noted that the infrastructure drive of President Bola Tinubu’s administration had created significant opportunities for manufacturers, contractors, and investors within the construction sector.

Umahi urged HBM and other industry players to expand their production capacity to meet increasing demand from the government’s road, bridge, and transportation projects.

He said the administration’s infrastructure expansion programme would continue to provide opportunities for businesses willing to invest and grow their operations in Nigeria.

Commending HBM’s transition and commitment to the Nigerian market, the minister assured the company of the government’s readiness to collaborate with investors to promote industrial development and infrastructure growth.

“I commend you very highly and I say welcome onboard and we are going to work together. The market is smaller than what the president is doing. So, enlarge your coast,” he said.

Umahi also highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in infrastructure development.

He pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the major projects showcasing the government’s efforts to improve connectivity and drive economic transformation.

According to him, the project has received international attention because of its scale and engineering quality.

“When Deutsche Bank came to evaluate our project, they said it was undervalued and that the project is of topmost quality. Today, our neighboring nations are coming to steal the technology of the coastal highway,” Umahi said.

The minister expressed optimism that the government’s infrastructure plans would boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness.

He also praised President Tinubu for what he described as strong leadership and commitment to implementing reforms and major infrastructure investments.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I commit that Mr. President is committed to taking this country. The President knows what he is doing. The vision and mission are achievable, and we are on course, and this country will be taken back for the good of Nigerians,” he said.

The minister’s latest intervention comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of construction materials, especially cement, which remains a major component in road projects, housing development, and other building activities.

Contractors have repeatedly warned that continued increases in cement prices could raise construction costs, slow down housing delivery, and place additional pressure on both public and private sector projects.

The planned engagement between the government and cement manufacturers is expected to focus on finding solutions to moderate prices while ensuring sustainable investment and production in the industry.