Members of the House of Representatives Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in cement prices have criticized Alhaji Aliko Dangote for failing to honor their invitation. Dangote, the major producer of cement in Nigeria through his Dangote Group, was summoned by the joint Committees on Commerce, Industry, Special Duties, and Solid Minerals to address allegations of unjustified price hikes in the cement market.
Despite the summons, no representative from Dangote Cement attended the committee’s sitting on Tuesday. This absence prompted committee members to threaten the arrest of Dangote Cement’s management if they fail to appear at the next hearing.
The special panel, led by Rep. Jonathan Gaza, called for a review of cement prices and expressed concern over the recent increases. The committee emphasized that “no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”
The committee lamented the hardships the price hikes have inflicted on Nigerians and directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before them within two weeks. The aim is to deliberate on necessary measures to address the situation for the benefit of the people.
“They want to over profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given them this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government,” Gaza stated. He further warned, “On Dangote, my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers, but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.”
Gaza concluded with a firm stance: “Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, and a warrant of arrest will be given for you to appear before the National Assembly. No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”
