Dangote endorses new cement classification by SON

LAGOS — Following the release recently of the classification of cement and its uses by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), leading cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc, has expressed its

satisfaction and support for the move, pledging to abide by the classification.

Already, the company said it had complied with the grading of cement and had gone ahead to produce to specifications rolled out by the regulatory authorities.

The SON in the wake of the building collapses across the country and the attendant controversies on the quality of cement being produced in the country, summoned a meeting of a stakeholders in the building and construction industry.

SON, in the new classification exercise, warned members of the public to adhere strictly to the stipulated application of cement types and save the nation the embarrassment of incessant structure failures.

Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Devakumar Edwin, while addressing a group of Kenyan businessmen, who visited the Ibese cement plant of the company, weekend, said the decision to embark on the high quality grade was to help Nigeria stem the tide of collapse building and commended SON for the bold move, pointing out that Dangote was ready to support the regulatory body in the onerous task of ridding the nation of structure failures.

He said: “After 28 days, the 32.5 grade gives  a strength of 32.5MPA, whereas the 42.5 grade gives a curing of 42.5MPA i.e 30 per cent higher in strength.”
Mr. Edwin said in Lagos that in spite of the high quality grade of Dangote Cement, it has not increased its price for the product.

Speaking also at the Public Hearing, Director General of SON, Joseph Ikem  Odumodu, said the restriction placed on the use of low grade cement is important to mitigate the problem of collapse building in the country.
Contributing, President of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigerian (CMAN)  Engr  Joseph  Makoju, said the 42.5 grade is superior cement over 32.5 and that Nigeria used to produce and import 42.5 before the coming of 32.5MPA.