LAGOS: THE country’s biggest cement maker said it had complied with regulator’s directive to upgrade the quality of the product being produced in the country.

Dangote Cement officials said the company was now compliant with Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) standards.

SON, in a report of its finding over allegations of poor quality cements in the country, had directed all local cement producers to upgrade the quality of their produce.

In compliance with the directive, the management of Dangote Cement said the company had commenced the production of the 52.5 higher grade of cement.

The company’s Group Managing Director, Devakumar Edwin, said the new higher cement grade would be officially unveiled to the public towards the end of this month.

Edwin said the production of the cement grade has already commenced at the company’s three plants in Ibese (Ogun State), Gboko (Benue) and Obajana in Kogi state.

“This is another first as the 52.5 grade of cement is being produced in Africa for the first time,” he stated.

He said the new cement grade would sell for the same amount as the 42.5 lower grade.

Edwin added that the new grade cost more to produce but that the company decided to sell it at the same price with the lower grade in the interest of the consumers.

He explained that the new cement grade could be used for all construction purposes but that it was specifically created for civil construction.

“With the higher grade of cement quality, the incidence of building collapse can be controlled,” he said.

SOURCE: CAJ NEWS AGENCY