Kingsley U.N. Chikwendu
A Member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Olaide Akinremi, at an organized 10th NBBRI International Conference Series, themed Circular Economy in the Built Environment for Enhanced Performance of the Nigerian Construction Industry, in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, said the National Assembly is aware of the present rise in price of cement in the country that has made housing unaffordable.
The Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, expressed that the House is looking at other alternatives to cement in the building of houses.
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“That is one of the deliberations we have now in the House, Akinremi said. “We know that the present price of cement in the country has already made most of our buildings unaffordable. The House is now working with the Science and Technology Ministry; we are relating with NBRRI on how to tackle this.
“As a matter of fact, it’s on the floor now that we are looking for an alternative. Apart from the hike in price of cement, we are also looking for alternatives better, stronger than the present one.
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Akinremi expressed hope that a friendlier environment will created to enhance the influx of investors in the built industry.
“Of course, we are expecting more investors. What we are doing at the National Assembly right now, you may not be aware but, very soon, you will.
We are creating an enabling environment that will bring more investors like NBRRI. If you look at the activities of NBRRI, you will observe that they are doing great in the area of construction, both roads and standing structures.
“I can assure you that very soon, you will see where we are going in putting the right things in order to make sure that we have more investors”, Akinremi concluded.