Nigeria: Bricklayers threaten protest over cement prices

The Lagos State Bricklayers Association have called on the Nigerian government to take action to lower cement prices, the Nation reports.

According to the newspaper, if the authorities do not succeed in bringing down the cost of cement by 20 September, bricklayers will hold a rally in Nigeria’s largest city to air their grievances.

President of association, Deacon Abel Olukayode, stated: “We have been lamenting over rising incidents of building collapse in the country. Are we not going to lose more lives and property, following the astronomical rise in cement price?

 “Now we are pleading with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to save Nigerians by reducing the exchange rate to between NGN100 and NGN170/per dollar.”

According to the bricklayers, cement prices have risen from NGN1600 (US$5.07) to NGN2000-2600 per bag.