Not satisfied with inconsistent government policies by government agencies, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has cautioned the Federal Government to be weary of its policy somersault on cement standardization.
In a statement by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal, the Congress warned that thousands of workers in the cement sub-sector may lose their jobs if the government remains inconsistent with its policy on cement standardization.
“It is the considered view of the Congress that any bid to ban the use of 32.5 cement grade (or any other cement grade for that matter), as being canvassed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), will lead to loss of thousands of jobs because most of the factories will have no choice than to shut down.
“For sure the Congress is prepared to partner relevant government agencies to ensure that incidence of building collapse becomes a thing of the past, stress that the loss of lives due to such incidence was not only disheartening but also avoidable. Thus, rather than pursuing an agenda of taking the 32.5 grade of cement out of the market, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) should rigidly ensure that standards are met in every link within the chain of the construction industry.
“We know that about 27 types of cement exist all over the world, and each type of cement supports different purposes. They include grades 12.5, 22.5, 32.5. 42.5, 52.5 sulphate resistant cement, oil well, white cement and others. None of them is inferior to others, and no one size fits all circumstances.
“We are well aware that building collapse in Nigeria has nothing to do with the 32.5 grade of cement. Cocoa House in Ibadan was built with that cement. Same goes for the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos and all the construction works in Abuja in the early 90s.
“All these structures are still standing. as an indication that it is only through the right application of all the appropriate materials that the incidence of building collapse will be eliminated. Even if we must do away with any cement type, such a policy should not be effected too suddenly. Rather, it should be introduced gradually, giving operators in the industry ample notice and reasonable time to make appropriate adjustments.
“The true reasons for building collapse are manifold and include poor application of materials, site corruption/stealing and compromises on quality standards, non-use of professionals on site, and so on.
“The Congress believes a different agenda is being pursued to create some form of monopoly in the industry, and the likely consequence will be massive loss of jobs. We also believe that the agenda incorporates a ploy to fight and eradicate trade unionism.
“Another point of concern is that the proposed action of SON, if implemented, will have negative implications on ongoing projects because the contractors will have to redesign the structures thereof to make them conform to the dictates of a single cement type, thereby increasing job loss and operational costs. There is need for variety of options in available materials for different applications in the construction industry.
“Unless SON retraces its steps, some cement plants might shutdown just to upgrade, thereby prompting significant increase in prices as no less than two years is required to upgrade the average plant to produce only one type of cement, with other attendant consequences.
“To resolve this knotty issue, the Federal Government (and/or its SON) should consult and dialogue with relevant stakeholders in the industry, especially the unions. A task force comprising SON, government and professional operators in the industry should be established to track compliance to resolutions arrived at such dialogues.
“The Congress believes our dear country is already battling with too many social crises and needs not introduce any new policy that would create greater crisis to the detriment of the poor masses. Government agencies should initiate only policies that are capable of reindustrialising the country and creating more jobs rather than yielding themselves to manipulations that discourage competition and would not move the nation forward. The cement industry in Nigeria is a major employer of labour, and policies directed at the industry must consider the collective interests of Nigerians especially as they relate to the socio-economic implications of such policies.
“The high standards and competition in the cement industry should not be compromised or otherwise toyed with. Consumers must continually enjoy the right choose from amongst different types of cement.”
The Congress however vowed not to stand by and look without challenging any maladministration or undue politicization of issues relating to this all-important sub-sector. “We shall not allow any loss of jobs as a result of unwholesome government policies”, the statement read in parts.

Labour absolves 32.5 cement grade from building collapse