Dangote launches 52.5 grade to Nigerian market

Dangote Cement yesterday launched its 52.5 grade cement to the Nigerian market. The African cement major said at a press briefing it has recalibrated all three of its Nigerian plants (Ibese, Gboko and Obajana) to produce 52.5 grade. The cement has been approved by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), which confirmed that the product meets the requirements of NIS 444-2003 and other relevant standards. According to Dangote, it is the only company in Africa to produce this standard.

The move follows concerns in Nigeria that alleged sub-standard cement is responsible for a spate of building collapses. Grade 32.5 has been the central cause of concern, but manufacturers have instead blamed a trend in poor building practices. A technical committee has been set up to review the quality of cement produced within the country, and is evaluating the impact of eliminating 32.5 grade cement.

Dangote has defended its position throughout, stating that it only produces 42.5 grade cement. Addressing local press yesterday, group managing director of the company, Devakumar Edwin, said the new product would sell at the same price as the lower grade 42.5N type “in the interest of its customers and to make it affordable to all.”