Reps threaten to arrest Dangote, others over high cost of cement

The House of Representatives Committee probing arbitrary increase in the price of cement has threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at its next hearing.

In a similar move, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Six Area Councils Chairmen are to appear before the
Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters next Tuesday or risk warrant of arrest.

Committee rooms in the House of Representatives were busy as lawmakers intensify their legislative oversight and investigative hearings.

The Joint Committee probing arbitrary increase in the price of cement is unhappy that some of the cement manufacturers have not honoured its invitations.

At the resumed sitting, the special panel advocates the downward review of cement prices.

It expressed worry over the rise in cement prices and the untold hardship it has brought upon many Nigerians.

But the continued absence of the cement manufacturers association and the Central Bank of Nigeria worries the legislators.

The Committee handed down a two-week window for those invited to show up.

Meanwhile, the Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters threatened to sanction the FCTA and the area council for alleged deliberate refusal to appear before it.

The Committee took the decision at the end of a closed door meeting in the aftermath of the absence of the Minister and the Council chairmen.

It insists oversight function is essential to ensuring accountability and good governance.

The Niger Delta Development Commission is seeking approval of the House for a proposed N1.91 trillion as 2024 Budget.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku said the commission plans to source the money for the budget by borrowing of N1 trillion from commercial and development banks in the country.

The Commission also expects N170 billion as arrears owed it by the federal government.

It also relies on recoveries by government agencies, federal government statutory contribution of N324.8 billion, ecological fund of N25 billion, Oil Companies contribution of N375 billion and internally generates revenue of N1 billion.

The Committee admits the proposed budget is crucial to the success of the NDDC and promises to carry out a diligent consideration in record time

NDDC says it is reinventing its process of intervention by adopting a public private partnership model as a vehicle to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.