The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Arbitrary Increase in Cement Price on Tuesday threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if they fail to appear at its next hearing.
Recall that the House of Representatives Legislative Committee on May 7, 2024, issued a 14-day ultimatum to cement manufacturers to appear before its joint committee and outline their allegations regarding the arbitrary increase in cement prices in Nigeria.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi, has called for a public hearing to investigate the arbitrary increase in cement price in Nigeria by cement manufacturers, to be organised by the Joint Committees on Commerce, Industry and Special Duties of the House of Representatives. and Solid Minerals in Abuja.
Officials of the cement factory were absent from Tuesday's hearing; an event that did not go down well with the committee.
The special panel, while advocating a downward revision in cement prices, expressed concerns that the cost of the product had become unaffordable for many Nigerians, given the current economic situation in the country.
It ordered the Nigerian Cement Manufacturers Association and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before it in two weeks to deliberate on necessary measures to tackle the situation for the benefit of the people.
In a brief comment at the event, Gbefwi, who represents Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, accused cement manufacturers of making life miserable for the masses and smiled at the banks outside empathy.
"They want to make excessive profits without feeling any compassion for the citizens who gave them this platform.
"As for Dangote, my decision is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers, but we have a duty of care. We are giving you one more chance. We will let you know a date.
"Failure to meet this deadline will result in a summons. An arrest warrant will be issued for your appearance before the National Assembly.
No man is bigger than the parliament of his country. No Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly," Jonathan warned.
https://punchng.com/reps-threaten-arrest-of-dangote-cement-mgt-about-price-rise/
[attachment deleted by admin]