On the ambivalent emotions of cement dealers whose warehouse already stocked to capacity, the company assured that consumers will begin to feel the impact of the price cuts sooner, rather than later.

With 70 depots scattered nationwide and plans to double that number from which end-users can buy directly instead of from third party outlets, the company promised to also ensure that transportation cost in the entire South does not exceed N100 a bag while in the core North that has a larger land mass, the highest that is paid for transportation will be N200 a bag.

•Sola-Salako

The leading cement manufacturer recently unveiled its new 32.5 cement grade as well as the new packaging as ordered by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, for clear distinction among the various cement grades.

Oare Ojeikere, chief marketing officer, Dangote Group, said the new product is in line with the directive of SON, which stipulates the use of three (32.5, 42.5 and 52.5) grades of cement.

According to him, the new cement product, 32.5, is to be used for plastering only as directed by the SON. He called on builders to adhere to the directive, adding that standard for cement was not invented in Nigeria but follows global best practices.

•Dangote cement

Dangote Cement plc retains a tight grip on the commodity as it controls about 60 per cent of market share in Nigeria. The company is also on course towards consolidating its leadership position on the continent. Before the end of the year, the company said it will commission four new cement plants, in Senegal, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Zambia.

Its other plants that are currently at various stages of completion in eight other African countries will be commissioned between next year and 2016.