NIGERIA: Dangote to increase cement output by August

In response to the increasing demand for cement in the country and the need to make the commodity available, Dangote Cement Plc has promised to increase its output from the present 20 million metric tons to 29 million by August this year.

A director in the company, Ekanem Etim, dropped the hint in an interactive session with the media.

He said the company was not unmindful of the massive demand for the commodity by end users hence the need to increase output.

His words: “Dangote cement which came to being in 2007 has striven over the years to make its impact felt in the construction industry.

“We are also not unmindful of the huge demand for cement in the country, hence, we have decided to add another nine million metric tons to the existing 20 million metric tons by August 2014.”

He frowned at a situation where some cement manufacturers were still producing 32.5 grade cement, adding that this development was against the policy of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

According to him, Dangote was not prepared to lower the statndard, pointing out, that if other cement manufacturers decide to stay with 32.5 grade of cement, they were at liberty to do so.

Etim urged SON to ‘without further delay’ implement the 42.5 grade because all the existing cement producing companies have the capacity to switch over.

He pointed out, that hitherto, all companies that were importing cement, were bringing in 42.5 grade, wondering why now that thy were producing it locally, they have decided to stick to 32.5 grade of cement.

According to him, the 32.5 grade of cement, were mainly meant for plastering, while the 42.5 grade is meant for general; purpose, pointing out, that the 52.5 cement grade was essentially for the construction of bridges, dams.

He was quick to add that the company produces the 52.5 grade of cement but only on request.

He noted that Dangote cement was not at war with any other manufacturer of cement but was quick to add, that the SON’s decision was taken with all the manufacturers in attendance.