Nigeria: The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has explained why the agency has restricted the use of 32.5 grade cement and why it has urged manufacturers to commence the production of 42.5 grade cement.

The director general of SON, Joseph Ikem Odumodu, said that the restriction placed on the use of low grade cement was important to mitigate the problem of building collapses in the country. It is estimated that from 1974 to 2010, collapsed buildings have claimed about 297 lives.

Odumodu said that Nigeria cannot afford to be a 'pariah state' on the issue of cement quality, adding that world's progressive countries have stopped using 32.5 grade cement. He said that SON has restricted the use of 32.5 grade cement and will enforce compliance.

Dangote Cement is the only company that currently produces 42.5 grade cement in Nigeria. Odumodu said that companies that have decided to continue 32.5 grade cement production have done so for profiteering.

SON had issued a directive that 52.5 grade cement must be used for bridges, 42.5 grade cement can be used for casting of columns, beams, slabs and for moulding blocks, while 32.5 grade cement can only be used for plastering.