Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has said the Federal Government will begin engagements with cement manufacturers from July 1 to address the rising cost of cement in the country.

Umahi revealed this at the unveiling of Lafarge’s new corporate identity, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, at the Lagos Continental Hotel.

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In a statement signed by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, in Abuja, Monday, the minister stated that the high cost of cement was placing pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects and increasing contractors’ demands for contract variations.

“I want to insist that Lafarge, now HBM, and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices. We shall be engaging on this from the first of July

“Manufacturers of cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are choking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their costs,” Umahi said.

The minister noted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in critical infrastructure nationwide, creating unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers and investors, as he urged HBM and other industry players to expand production capacity to meet the growing demands of the nation’s infrastructure revolution.

While commending the company on its rebranding and renewed commitment to Nigeria, the minister assured the management of government support and partnership.