Event held to review standardisation of cement in Nigeria

Officials from the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), representatives of professional bodies in the construction industry and academics recently reviewed the quality of Nigerian cement and ensure that it was meeting the requirements of the International Standard Organisation, according to the Nigerian Tribune. 

Director of Standard, Chinyere Ifeoma, acknowledged the high demand for quality cement and therefore urged every member of the industry to recognise the importance of standardisation. "We must all get involved in the standardisation process", she said.

First Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Builders, Kunle Awobodu, suggested that a reduction in the price of cement is equally important as quality.

"When they are talking about the standard, we must also talk about the price. So, we are calling on manufacturers to look at the cost of this all-important product, while also calling on the government to provide for them an enabling environment," he said.

Alongside this, it was recognised that sub-standard materials and improper application can lead to building collapse. National President of the Block Moulders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Rasheed Adebowale, recognised the threat of misusing materials in the cement block moulding sector.

"While the standard practice is to mould 30 pieces of 9×9 block from one bag and 40 pieces of 6×6 from one bag, some are producing 46 pieces of 9×9 from a bag and sometimes, 60 pieces of 6×6 from one bag," he said.