SON had issued a directive that 52.5R be used for bridges, 42.5R be used for casting of columns, beams, slabs and making blocks, while 32.5MPA is restricted to plastering.
The statement said the block makers in the north announced their switch during a sensitization seminar organized by Dangote Cement Plc in Kaduna at the weekend.
The statement quoted the chairman of the Kaduna State Blocks and Concrete Makers Association, Alhaji Hamza Haruna Gambo as saying his members have complied with the SON directive on cement classification.
Gambo who owns block making factories across the country said the directive was in national interest.
He warned those who have not complied to do so as his association is desirous of supporting government in its efforts to stamp out what he described as “senseless killing of innocent people” as a result of the phenomenon of building collapse incidents in the country.
He commended the Dangote Group for organizing the seminar across the country, saying it will add value to block making businesses and safety of Nigerians.
Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Sales Regional Director of the Dangote Cement Plc Mr Shola Alo said the seminar was aimed at sensitizing the block makers on the new directive of SON, as well as educate them on issues bordering on manufacturing, marketing, sales, cement usage and at the same time lend a helping hand and get a feedback.
Mr. Olaniyi Johnson, Regional Sales Director who handled the technical aspect of the training said the seminars across the north are paying off as they enable the end users to make right choices and at the same time avoid unethical practices in the application of cement.
Chairman of the Block Makers Association in Kano Malam Ya’u Suleiman said the training will without doubt help his members in taking the right decisions.
He said his members now use 42.5R cement produced by the Dangote Cement Plc.
Alhaji Yau Ahmad, chairman of the Progress Block Industry in Suleja Niger State said his company only uses the 42.5R cement.
The cement company also supported the block makers with wheelbarrows, shovels, boots and hand gloves.
