As part of efforts to address the recurrent incidents of building collapse in Nigeria, BUA Cement, a subsidiary of BUA Group, yesterday enlightened block and concrete makers on how best to mix cement with other components in order to produce quality blocks.
The one-day workshop which took place in Port Harcourt was tagged Optimising Cement Usage to Achieve Better Quality and Yield of Blocks. It was organised in collaboration with the Modern Skills Training Centre of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).
Speaking at the event, Mr Nasiru Ladan, who is the General Manager in charge of Sales at BUA Cement Obu Plant, assured on BUA’s continuous production of high-quality cement.
He also blamed the persistent incidents of building collapse in Nigeria on the poor quality of cement which is often used by block makers.
In his words-
“The purpose of this workshop is to rub minds, discuss, agree and come up with a better knowledge on how to get the best out of the cement we are using. As you know, it is one thing to have good cement; it is another thing to mix it in combination with other materials.
“On the issue of collapse building in Nigeria, various researches show it is as a result of either not using the right cement or bad mix. So, we are here to let the block makers understand the right mix of cement with the right materials to produce the highest quality blocks for public use. When good blocks and concrete are produced, the issue of building collapse would have been properly addressed.” -Ladan
Speaking further, Mr Ladan disclosed that the company will soon complete a second production line in Okpella, Edo State which will help to ensure an “increase in cement production and supply to this state and other neighbouring states to satisfy the demands of the people”.
Some of the notable personalities that were present at the workshop include- Iwunze Amaka, Deputy Director/Area Manager Industrial Training Fund (ITF); Babaji Attahiru, Regional Coordinator (South-South SON); Muhammed Ibrahim, General Manager, BUA Ports and Terminals and Abiola Akarolo, Regional Manager, BUA Cement among others.