TUC slams proposed new cement policy

By VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

UMBRELLA body for senior staff association in the country; the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has cautioned the Federal Government on the proposed new cement standardisation policy, arguing that its implementation could lead to loss of jobs for thousands of workers in the cement sub-sector.

TUC equally declared that should the proposed policy by Standard Organisation Nigeria, SON, be implemented, it will have negative implications on ongoing projects because contractors will have to redesign structures to conform to the dictates of a single cement type, thereby compounding job loss and operational costs.


In statement by its President and Secretary, Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal, respectively, TUC noted: “It is the view of Congress that any bid to ban the usage of 32.5 cement grade (or any other cement grade for that matter), as being canvassed by the SON will lead to loss of thousands of jobs because most of the factories will have no choice than to shut down.

For sure the Congress is prepared to partner with relevant government agencies to ensure that incidence of building collapse becomes a thing of the past. Loss of lives because of such incidence is not only disheartening but also avoidable.

Thus, rather than pursuing an agenda of forcing the 32.5 grade of cement out of the market, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, should rigidly ensure that standards are met in every link within the chain of the construction industry.
“We know that about 27 types of cement exist all over the world, and each type of cement supports different purposes. They include grades 12.5, 22.5, 32.5. 42.5, 52.5 sulphate resistant cement, oil well, white cement and others.

None of them is inferior to others, and no one size fits all circumstances. We are well aware that building collapse in Nigeria has nothing to do with the 32.5 grade of cement. Cocoa House in Ibadan was built with that cement. Same goes for the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos and all the construction works in Abuja in the early 90s. All these structures are still standing.

This illustrates that it is only through the right application of all the appropriate materials that the incidence of building collapse will be eliminated. Even if we must do away with any cement type, such a policy should not be effected too suddenly. Rather, it should be introduced gradually, giving operators in the industry ample notice and reasonable time to make appropriate adjustments.”
The labour organisation argued that: “The true reasons for building collapse are manifold and include poor application of materials, site corruption/stealing and compromises on quality standards, non-use of professionals on site, and so on.

The Congress believes a different agenda is being pursued to create some form of monopoly in the industry, and the likely consequence will be massive loss of jobs. We also believe that the agenda incorporate a ploy to fight and eradicate trade unionism.
“Another point of concern is that the proposed action of SON, if implemented, will have negative implications on ongoing projects because the contractors will have to redesign the structures thereof to make them conform to the dictates of a single cement type, thereby increasing job loss and operational costs.

There is need for variety of options in available materials for different applications in the construction industry. Unless SON retraces its steps, some cement plants might shutdown just to upgrade, thereby prompting significant increase in prices. No less than two years is required to upgrade the average plant to produce only one type of cement, and with other attendant consequences.

“To resolve this knotty issue, TUC, contended that “the Federal Government (and/or its SON) should consult and dialogue with relevant stakeholders in the industry, especially the unions. A task force comprising SON, government and professional operators in the industry should be established to track compliance to resolutions arrived at such dialogues.

The Congress believes our dear country is already battling with too many social crises and needs not introduce any new policy that would create greater crisis to the detriment of the poor masses. Government agencies should initiate only policies that are capable of re-industrialising the country and creating more jobs rather than yielding themselves to manipulations that discourage competition and would not move the nation forward.

The cement industry in Nigeria is a major employer of labour, and policies directed at the industry must consider the collective interests of Nigerians especially as they relate to the socio-economic implications of such policies.
“The high standards and competition in the cement industry should not be compromised or otherwise toyed with. Consumers must continually enjoy the right choose from amongst different types of cement.

The Congress will not stand by and look without challenging any maladministration or undue politicisation of issues relating to this all-important sub-sector. We shall not allow any loss of jobs as a result of unwholesome government policies.

Culled from www.vanguardngr.com