The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has weighed in to check building collapse across the country since the issue of cement standardisation came into public consciousness.
Most structures that give way are new ones while old buildings erected decades ago are still standing.
Regulators and stakeholders alike discovered that the construction industry is an all comers affair dominated by quacks. Building permits are hardly followed, if obtained at all, and the use of low quality building materials is common place.
One commonly misapplied material is cement, which the SON has now differentiated into various grades, as opposed to the claim by some builders that “cement is cement, no matter the grade.”
Once cement is misapplied, the structure is in danger. Therefore, cement must be classified to guide users.
Uses of three cement grades
The three cement grades produced in Nigeria are 32.5, 42.5, and 52.5.
Grade 52.5 is for specialised structures such as bridges, flyovers, and high rise buildings. Grade 42.5 is for general construction. Grade 32.5 is for plastering only.
The SON also gives each grade a colour code for easy identification.
Dangote Cement produces 42.5 and 52.5 grades at its three plants in Obajana, Kogi State; Gboko (Benue State), and Ibese (Ogun State).
And it has embarked on public enlightenment on the use of the two grades and training block makers.
Other companies produce 32.5 grade which they sell at almost the same price as Dangote’s higher grades. This prompted Dangote’s customers to ask why it does not produce 32.5 grade as well.
Demand for more
When consumers develop trust in a manufacturer they often clamour for more range of products so as to meet their needs from a single source.
Consumers are attracted to manufacturing supermarkets where the same product with different strengths and qualities are on display.
The major attraction is that a reputable manufacturer with several ranges of the same product will produce them to stipulated standard.
A forward thinking manufacturer places the interest of customers first. It thinks of them as it innovates, develops, and deploys more products. A creative manufacturer thinks ahead of the competition, takes advantage of policies and opportunities to create more values for stakeholders.
It was in compliance with the directive of the SON that Dangote Cement announced plans to launch 32.5 cement grade.
The company’s Group Managing Director, Devakumar Edwin, said the 32.5 grade, which has the lowest strength, will sell at N200 lower than the price of 42.5 grade to offer “our numerous customers and end users the prerogative of choice and its appropriate application.”
He explained that new product, branded “Dangote Cement 1X”, is in response to market demand as well as in full compliance with the SON directive encouraging the production of all grades of cement with clear labelling on use.
Edwin expressed the hope that the entrance of 32.5 grade from Dangote will enable consumers to pay the appropriate price for the right value rather than paying more for lower grade.
He said 32.5 grade will be clearly marked in the colour prescribed by the SON for it to be used solely for plastering.
Dangote is also pushing out the 52.5 grade for the construction of high strength structures such as bridges and flyovers.
“We have significantly increased the supply of cement to the market and as it is expected the enhancement in supply has also resulted in a reasonable reduction in the price of the product,” Edwin stated.
The company plans to continue its nationwide campaign and capacity building, which it started three years ago to ensure that the different grades of cement are easily identified and used only for their prescribed purposes.
Its radio campaign informs and educates the public on the benefits of Dangote 42.5 3X cement in construction work, especially block making, casting of pillars, beams, and slabs.
Necessity of public awareness campaign
Dangote Cement Sales and Marketing Director, Chux Mogbolu, said the public awareness programme became necessary as research shows that most cement users in Nigeria cannot differentiate between the grades and their uses, leading to misapplication.
He disclosed that part of the reasons buildings collapse is because block makers, masons and other craftsmen in the industry use 32.5 grade cement in block making and house building instead of plastering and finishing.
Consultation with stakeholders
The SON consulted with stakeholders from all sectors, including the Nigeria Society of Engineers (COREN), universities, researchers, builders, and block makers before fashioning the cement standard.
Stakeholders agreed to streamline cement types, with 42.5 for general purposes and 32.5 restricted to plastering work.
The regulations were unveiled last week by Trade and Investment Minister, Olusegun Aganga; and SON Director General, Joseph Odumodu.
The guidelines also cover iron, steel, and roofing materials.
