The House of Representatives Joint Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in the price of cement in Nigeria on Tuesday threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if they failed to appear before it for the ongoing probe into the price hike.

This decision came after officials of Dangote Cement were absent during a hearing aimed at addressing the issue of rising cement prices and the hardships it has caused for many Nigerians.

The special panel strongly advocated for a downward review of cement prices and expressed deep concern over the economic burden the price hike has imposed on citizens.

In response to the absence of Dangote Cement representatives, the Committee has summoned the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before it within the next two weeks.

The purpose of this summons is to discuss measures needed to alleviate the situation for the benefit of the people.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Jonathan, remarked, “They want to overprofit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given them this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.

“On Dangote, my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.

“Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, and a warrant of arrest will be given for you to make an appearance before the National Assembly.

“No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)