NEWS
Residents express Concern Over High Cost of Cement, Blame Manufacturers
Some residents of Kano and Katsina States have blamed cement manufacturers over the prevailing scarcity and high cost of cement nationwide.
Some of the residents said that the situation had affected building projects and left bricklayers redundant.
Alhaji Kabiru Idi, a building contractor, said he had delayed some of his projects due to high cost of building materials.
“I want to continue but I had to stop because of the high cost of building materials, including cement, ” he explained.
According to him, a bag of cement which cost between N2,650 and N2,750 in 2020 is now sold for N3,650 and N3, 750.
Idi added that the situation had forced many people to change their construction plans or suspend the project.
Another contractor, Suraj Najeem, said said that he had to review a contract he had with a company because of the high cost of materials particularly cement.
Najeem explained that some block industries had since reduced the quality of their blocks in an attempt to make profit.
Ado Bala, who is building his personal house at Medile area of Kano, said he had taken a break due to high cost of cement and other building materials.
“The government needs to find a way to help us, so that the poor can own their houses,” he said.
Bala said a six-inch block, which was sold between N110 and N120 is now sold for N130 and N140 while a nine-inch block is sold at N180 and N190, as against N160.
Musa Saleh, a cement dealer, attributed the rise in the price of cement to scarcity of the product.
“Some shops were without a single bag of cement due to the fluctuation in price and scarcity of the product,” he said
Sale also accused some of the cement companies of creating artificial scarcity, alleging that the products are being diverted to neighboring countries.
In Katsina, retailers selling a bag of cement at N2,600 before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, now sell it at between N3,500 and N3,700.
The retailers blamed the situation to the scarcity of the product, alleging that major cement manufacturers had reduced their production.
According to them, major manufacturers involved are Dangote, BUA and Sokoto cement.
Alhaji Abubakar Aminu, a cement dealer in Katsina, claimed that the companies had cut down their production during the COVID-19 lockdown and since then, the supply and price have remained unstable.
Aminu said that some of the companies had adopted new policies that made access to the product difficult for most cement dealers.
According to him, Dangote, which is the major cement producer in Nigeria, now sell cement only to major dealers, unlike before when the company deal with both major and small dealers.
“In the past, what you need to do is to open an account with the company and deposit money for few trucks of cement depending on your capacity.
“Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the price was stable and the product was available almost everywhere in the country.
“As a result of that policy, small dealers no longer have access to buying cement directly from the manufacturer.
“If you want to remain in business, you have to buy from major dealers who determine the market price.
“The major dealers sell it to small dealers above the original company price, while the small dealers sell it to consumers at a price higher than what was obtainable before,” he said.
He said that the manufacturers have not increased the price of the products in reality, but their new policies led to the present increase in the price of cement nationwide.
Aminu said that unless the companies reverse the policy, Nigerians would continue to buy cement at a high price.(NAN)
NEWS
NYSC Doctor Donates 155 Menstrual Cups to Policewomen in Jos
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Dr. Hope Adeyi serving at Police College Cottage Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has donated 155 menstrual cups to policewomen, wives of police officers alongside civilian staff.
The donation was made during the “Affordable and Hygienic Menstruation for Every Woman” outreach held at the Nigeria Police Staff College on Tuesday in Jos the Plateau State capital.
According to Adeyi, “The cost of sanitary pads has risen sharply nationwide, and for many families, it has become increasingly unaffordable.
“As a result, some women are now forced to use unsafe alternatives such as old rags, tissue paper, or improvised materials.
Unfortunately, these practices significantly increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, bad odour, discomfort, and reduced confidence,” she statedThe Doctor Copper highlighted the benefits of menstrual cups, saying, “Menstrual cups offer several benefits; they are safe, reusable, and environmentally friendly. A single cup can last up to 10 years when properly cared for. They only require regular washing with clean water, which is readily available in our community.
“They greatly reduce the financial burden of buying monthly disposable pads and help prevent infections by promoting cleaner and safer menstrual practices,” she explained.
She emphasized that providing the cups is more than a donation: “By providing menstrual cups to our women today, we are not just giving a product, we are offering long‑term relief, health protection, and empowerment. This project ensures that no woman in our community has to choose between her health and affordability,” she maintained.
The initiative she said was made possible by generous sponsors, whose contributions Dr. Adeyi thanked. “Your contributions go beyond financial support—they demonstrate a deep commitment to the dignity and health of women in this community. We thank you sincerely,” she said.
The NYSC doctor urged the women present to prioritize their health and dignity noting that, “Your health matters. Your comfort matters. Your dignity matters. Today’s outreach is a step toward ensuring that every woman in this community is supported, protected, and empowered,” she emphasised.
NEWS
Mutfwang Congratulates Gen. Danjuma on 88th Birthday, Lauds His Philanthropy
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his warm congratulations to Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 88th birthday.
In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Gyang Bere and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday described Gen.
Danjuma as “a symbol of excellence, an exemplary philanthropist, and a symbol of hope whose life has been wholly devoted to the defence, progress, and upliftment of humanity”.Mutfwang praised Gen. Danjuma’s outstanding contributions to national life, citing his courageous military service, visionary business leadership, and transformative philanthropic work.
“You remain a priceless national asset and an extraordinary achiever who has enjoyed uncommon grace from God to lead, to serve, and to excel in diverse spheres of human endeavour,” he stated.
The Governor also highlighted Gen. Danjuma’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through the TY Danjuma Foundation, which has become a lifeline to underserved communities nationwide.
Mutfwang on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State wished Gen. Danjuma long life, sound health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom as he continues to offer wise counsel and mentor younger generations.
CRIME
Enugu Police Arrest 25-Year-old Man over Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at about 6 a.m., swiftly responded to a distress call and arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25).
Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.
During the incident, the suspects stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card.
Police operatives immediately trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.Ina press statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe stated that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to positively identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.
The suspect has since been arraigned in court and remanded in custody, while intensive efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, appreciates the timely support from public-spirited citizens that aided the swift arrest. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely security information.

