The Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) has stated that Nigeria has not imported cement since the beginning of the year, thus helping the Federal Government’s aim of making the country self-sufficient in cement.

Speaking at a forum in Calabar, Cross River State, at the weekend, president of CMAN, Joseph Makoju, lauded the Federal Government for policies that have prevented the need for cement imports, thereby, protecting local industries. “For the first time in Nigeria’s history, there has been no cement importation since the beginning of the year,” he told local reportes.

With domestic production being increased, local producers are now able to supply the Nigerian market and they are also in the process of formalising cement exports to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other neighbouring countries, Makoju stated.

He also said domestic production was expected to hit 17Mta this year from 13Mta  last year. (Source: The Nigerian Tribune).