Cement controversy wanes as block-makers switch to 42.5R cement

The raging controversy among cement manufacturers and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) over the application of various cement grades for building and construction may have waned as block makers in the northern part of Nigeria have started complying with the directive by SON on the classification of cement grades and their uses.

Worried by the menace of building collapse in the country, SON had issued a directive that 52.5R cement grade be used for bridges, 42.5R be used for casting of columns, beams, slabs and making blocks, while the low-grade 32.5MPA was restricted to plastering.

At a sensitisation seminar organised by Dangote Cement in Kaduna recently, block-makers in the north said they had complied with the SON directive as most of them now used 42.5R for making blocks.

Hamza Gambo, chairman, Kaduna State Blocks and Concrete Makers Association, said all his members had complied with the SON directive, adding that the directive was in the national interest and that most block-makers in the north now used Dangote 3X cement, which is the only cement with 42.5R grade that meets the SON specification.

Gambo, who owns block-making factories across the country, warned those who have not complied to do so as his association was desirous of supporting government in its effort to stamp out what he described as “senseless killing of innocent people” as a result of building collapse in the country.

“We’ve been using the new improved cement for the past two months. Our members who will refuse to comply, we would deal with them according to our constitution,” he promised, commending Dangote Group for organising the seminar across the country as that would add value to the block-making business as well as guarantee safety of Nigerians.

Shola Alo, regional sales director, Dangote Cement, said the seminar was aimed at sensitising the block-makers on the new directive of SON, educating them on issues bordering on manufacturing, marketing, sales, cement usage, as well as lending a helping hand and getting a feedback.

Olaniyi Johnson, regional sales director who handled the technical aspect of the training, said the seminars across the north were paying off as they enabled the end-users to make right choices and at the same time avoid unethical practices in the application of cement.

In Kano, Ya’u Suleiman, chairman of the Block Makers Association, said the training would, without doubt, help his members in making the right decision, adding that his members now used 42.5R cement produced by Dangote Cement.

Yau Ahmad, chairman, Progress Block Industry in Suleja, Niger State, also said his company used the 42.5R cement produced by Dangote Cement plc, adding that it was in the interest of all Nigerians to do so. The cement company also supported the block-makers with wheelbarrows, shovels, boots and hand gloves.

Chuka Uroko