Niger: The Nigerien government has closed nine commercial establishments in Niamey for 15 days for failing to comply with new cement price caps set in October 2024, with any further infringements leading to a five-year administrative closure. The decision follows traders' continued sale of cement above the capped prices despite measures to lower the cost of living, according to the Journal du Niger newspaper.
Minister of Trade and Industry Asman Seydou said “We do not tolerate any breach of the law. Nigerien consumers have the right to benefit from the prices set by the government, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that they are respected.”
The Ministry of Commerce has introduced a reinforced control system, including a hotline for reporting violations. The government has also granted tax exemptions to cement importers and producers to support domestic production.
