Niger: 35% drop in the price of a ton of gray cement

After the prices of hydrocarbons and those of services in state health facilities, the Nigerien government has just decided to lower the prices of cement. This reduction results from an order signed on October 14, 2024 by the President of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP), Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani.This order determines the special tax regime applicable to the activities of importing, producing and marketing grey cement CEM II 32.5. It thus grants numerous exemptions to companies regularly established in Niger and carrying out the activities of importing, producing and marketing grey cement.Thus, on the basis of this order, the Minister of Commerce and Industry has set by decree ceiling prices per tonne of CEM II 32.5 grey cement applicable in the eight regions of the country. These prices are 55,000 FCFA in Niamey; 56,000 F in Dosso, 51,000 F in Tahoua; 57,000 F in Maradi; 58,000 F in Zinder and 59,000 in Diffa, Agadez and Tillabéri.It should be noted that b efore the adoption of this ordinance, a ton of cement cost 85,000 F on average. It should also be noted that Niger currently has two cement production units: the MCC in Malbaza and Mango Cement in Badaguichiri, both located in the Tahoua region in the center of the country.This drop in the price of cement will boost the construction sector and, in the long term, contribute to improving the living conditions of the population.As a reminder, hydrocarbon prices have fallen by 50 F/litre at the pump from July 23, 2024, while those of healthcare services in public health facilities have been reduced by 50% by the government.Highly social measures long awaited by the populations and which were warmly applauded especially in a context of inflation and multiple challenges resulting from the unjust and inhuman sanctions taken by certain regional integration organizations on the one hand and on the other hand following the devastating floods that the Sahel experienced.Source: Burkina Information Agency