The Association of Block Manufacturers of Nigeria, Sokoto State Branch would embark on a 7-day warning strike over increment in the price of cement.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Kabiru Rumbukawa, said the strike would commence on Monday, January 11.
According to him, the decision was taken to press home their demand for the reverse to the old price.
“We have confirmed from the BUA company that they did not increase their price, which means it was the unilateral decision of their dealers.
“Before, we were buying a bag of cement at N2,400 and it is N3,700 now, which is unacceptable because this product is manufactured in Sokoto State,” he said.
He noted that, “We have written the state government and other relevant authorities for them to intervene in the matter, but to no avail and as such, we have decided to close all our factories for seven days.
“And if our demand is not met within these seven days we will embark on indefinite strike,” he added
He maintained that the decision, though painful, was taken in the interest of the general public, as they don’t want to increase the price of blocks in the state.
Rumbukawa said that they have 10,000 members and over 100,000 workers noting that some of their members have already closed their factories because they were not making profit.
“You can imagine disengaging over 100,000 workers. Will It not increase the crime rate in the state?
“So we are appealing to the state government to intervene in the matter,” he solicited.