Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), yesterday, charged manufacturers of cement and building materials in the country to emulate BUA Cement Plc, by reducing prices of their products.

It also advised stakeholders to adopt findings of extensive research geared at commercialisation and promotion of cement alternatives like pozzolana to crash building cost.

Chairman of Council, Samson Opaluwah, said if manufacturers follow suit, it would reduce cost of building and make housing affordable nationwide.

At the weekend, BUA, one of the major producers of cement, crashed the product price from N5,500 to N3,500 per bag, effective October 2.

CORBON said the slash is in line with its commitment to spur development in the “building materials and infrastructure sectors.”

It commended the over 35 per cent reduction in ex-factory price by BUA Cement Plc.

Opaluwah said: “This is a welcome development, and the Council commends the patriotism of the management of BUA Group, led by Abdulsamad Rabiu.”

He pointed out that housing is an essential need of humanity, and efforts must be made to make it accessible to every Nigerian.

“Additionally, Council challenges construction companies and professionals in the built environment to adopt findings of an extensive research already conducted towards commercialisation and use of cement replacement items (pozzolana) to further bring about reduction in building cost and improve accessibility to the teeming populace.”

CORBON shall continuously strive to promote innovative ways of reducing cost of buildings in Nigeria,” he said.