Babatunde Solanke
The House of Representatives Joint Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in cement prices has issued warning to Dangote Cement’s management.
The committee threatened to arrest company officials if they fail to appear at the next scheduled hearing.
This move was due to the absence of officials from the cement company during a hearing on Tuesday, concerns were raised about the rising cost of cement in the country.
The special panel, advocating for a reduction in cement prices, expressed alarm over the increasing prices and the significant hardships this has imposed on many Nigerians.
The House directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to cause appearances before the committee in the next two weeks.
This, it said, is to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefits of the people.
“They want to over profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.
“On the issue concerning Dangote, our approach is straightforward. While the law grants us necessary powers, we also have a duty of care. We will provide a deadline and communicate it accordingly.
“If the deadline is not met, we will issue a subpoena and authorize a warrant of arrest to ensure appearance before the National Assembly. No individual, regardless of stature, is above the parliament of their country. No Nigerian is superior to the National Assembly.”
