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CEMENT SCAM EXPOSED: Why Nigerians Are Being Robbed Blind Despite Production Surplus!.
Although Nigeria possesses an annual cement production capacity exceeding 60 million metric tonnes—far surpassing the domestic demand of 25 to 30 million tonnes—consumers are paying record prices. A 50kg bag currently retails between ₦12,500 and ₦15,000, significantly higher than prices in neighboring African countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya. The market is dominated by Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, and Lafarge Africa (HBM Nigeria Plc), which collectively reported over ₦6.53 trillion in revenue and ₦1.65 trillion in after-tax profits for 2025. While critics argue that these profits are difficult to reconcile with the nation’s housing crisis, manufacturers attribute the high costs to energy volatility, logistics expenses, currency depreciation, and the removal of fuel subsidies. In response, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, has initiated formal engagements with manufacturers to push for price reductions to support infrastructure and affordable housing.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Housing Crisis Deepens as Cement Costs Skyrocket The soaring price of cement has become a primary obstacle to addressing Nigeria’s 16-million-unit housing deficit. Housing experts and advocacy groups, such as the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), warn that the current pricing model is unsustainable. Recommendations for government intervention include:
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Providing concessionary energy support and improving gas supplies to reduce reliance on expensive diesel.
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Offering duty waivers on critical manufacturing equipment to lower operational costs.
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Encouraging new competition to break existing market dominance.
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Implementing stronger oversight via the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to monitor for price-fixing.
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Improving infrastructure, such as standard-gauge rail, to lower the logistics costs that reportedly account for 30 to 40 per cent of the final retail price.
Option 3: Concise News Brief
Government Pushes for Lower Cement Prices Amidst Public Outcry With infrastructure projects facing rising contract costs and citizens struggling with expensive building materials, the Federal Government is demanding a shift in the cement market. Minister of Works David Umahi plans to meet with leading producers—Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge—starting July 1, 2026, to negotiate lower prices. While producers maintain that production remains expensive due to energy and logistics hurdles, experts argue that the industry has “failed socially” by prioritizing record profits over public affordability. Proposals from sector stakeholders range from mandatory quarterly plant utilization reporting to the opening of the market to new, smaller players to foster genuine competition.
The lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has denied allegations linking him to the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Kalu made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television, where he was asked about his alleged connections with the CIA and Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
The senator explained that his previous involvement in arms trading brought him into contact with both organisations, adding that they monitored his activities because of his business dealings.
He, however, insisted that knowing individuals within the agencies did not mean he worked for them or served as an intelligence operative.
He said, “Even if I know people there, I mean, I’m not working for them. I’m not an agent. Because I was trading in arms, I must know the two organisations very well. They were keeping an eye on me because I was selling arms.”
The former Abia State governor also dismissed suggestions that prominent personalities had described him as an international agent.
According to him, such descriptions do not define his identity, insisting that he knows who he is and makes efforts to maintain his relationships.
Kalu said, “Anybody can say anything. On some occasions, even President Obasanjo himself has called me an international agent. I mean, those things don’t remove anything from my skin because I know myself. I work hard to keep friendships.”
Mossad, officially known as the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, is Israel’s national intelligence agency.
Nigerian rapper Keshinro Ololade, popularly known as Lil Kesh, has cautioned women whose physical appearance could tempt him as he tries to maintain his decision to abstain from sexual activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made this known in a video shared on his Instagram page, where he spoke about his commitment to celibacy and his efforts to remain focused.
In the video, Lil Kesh specifically addressed women who regularly visit the gym, drawing attention to their body shapes and physical features, which he admitted he finds tempting.
He appealed to such women to tone down their seductive appearances and movements around him, explaining that he was determined to maintain his celibate lifestyle.
The rapper also disclosed that he had abstained from sex for seven years.
He said, “Hello, if you know you are a gym girly and your back is looking like this, please, I’m gonna need you to tone it down. I have been celibate for 7 years; I am trying to focus; don’t konjibait me.”
In a related development, Nigerian content creator Adebayo Ridwan, popularly known as Isbae U, has opened up about the difficult period he experienced following the controversy surrounding him in 2022.
During an interview with Morayo Afolabi Brown, Isbae U revealed that the backlash was so severe that he began questioning whether his career had come to an end.
He explained that the situation became particularly difficult because people who had previously supported and praised his work began making negative comments about him.
The skit maker also disclosed that he sought advice from fellow content creator Mr Macaroni during the period.
According to him, he asked whether the controversy marked the end of his career, as he was uncertain about what the future held following the backlash.
Isbae U recalled that the experience taught him how quickly public perception can change when someone becomes embroiled in controversy.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to restoring petrol subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The former Vice-President made the pledge in a post shared on his X handle on Monday, alongside a campaign video outlining his position on the policy.
“My position stands! I will restore subsidy to make life easier and more affordable for Nigerians,” Atiku wrote.
The video compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in other oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Iran and Venezuela, arguing that citizens in those nations pay significantly less for the product.
According to the video, Atiku’s proposed subsidy arrangement would apply only to petrol refined locally, excluding imported products. The policy would also remain in place until domestic refineries become self-sustaining.
Atiku was further quoted in the clip as saying, “My position has not changed and will not change. I will restore it.”
President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration speech in May 2023. His administration subsequently promised to channel the savings from the policy into infrastructure development and social services.
Atiku has made the reversal of the subsidy removal a major part of his 2027 campaign agenda. Other promises include reopening Nigeria’s land borders and addressing insecurity.
He reiterated these commitments during the ADC presidential campaign flag-off rally in Sokoto on November 4.
The former Vice-President secured the ADC presidential ticket in May, marking his seventh attempt to become Nigeria’s president.
However, the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified his candidacy on November 5, alongside decisions taken by the party’s David Mark-led leadership.
The ADC has since appealed the judgment and is seeking a stay of execution.
The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
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