Operating within the nation's building sector has become increasingly difficult as the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) decries surging production expenses driven by soaring cement prices, expensive electricity, transportation, and equipment maintenance. National President Alhaji Kareem Ayuba Adewale articulated these concerns during the organization's 2026 gathering in Abuja, themed "NABMON as Counterparts in Nation and Economic Development under [Renewed Hope Agenda](https://tribuneonlineng.com/food- security-centre-of-renewed-hope-agenda-fg/)."
What specific challenges are block moulders facing in Nigeria?
During the Abuja summit, key stakeholders outlined several critical hurdles threatening the survival of local manufacturing businesses across the country:
- Soaring cost of vital raw materials, particularly cement and aggregates.
- High operational expenses stemming from unreliable electricity and expensive logistics.
- Limited access to affordable credit facilities for machinery maintenance and business expansion.
- Stiff competition and the proliferation of substandard building materials.
Addressing attendees, Adewale explained that the persistent escalation of production overheads severely undermines the competitiveness of enterprises within the sector, threatening both operational continuity and strict adherence to structural quality benchmarks. To remedy these difficulties, the association leader urged the Federal Government to institute robust legal protections designed to safeguard the trade.
How is the government responding to quality and standardisation concerns?
Echoing the need for industry discipline, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, underscored the critical role that block moulders play in maintaining structural integrity and public safety across the built environment. Represented at the event by Engineer Mrs. Silifat Shagaya, the SON chief executive reaffirmed the agency's dedication to enforcing rigorous Nigerian Industrial Standards.
Okeke noted that the regulatory body has ramped up nationwide surveillance, factory audits, and product testing protocols to eradicate substandard construction materials from the market. He encouraged association members to view quality compliance not merely as a regulatory burden, but as a vital competitive advantage that protects consumers and elevates industry standards.
What policy support is NABMON demanding from authorities?
Beyond regulatory compliance, the block-moulders leadership pushed for deliberate state policies that favor indigenous manufacturers. Adewale appealed for intentional government patronage, demanding that certified local producers be prioritized for supply contracts in public housing and infrastructure initiatives.
Furthermore, the association advocated for specialized low-interest loan schemes featuring flexible repayment tenures. Such financial interventions, according to stakeholders, would empower operators to procure advanced machinery, scale up output, and generate broader employment opportunities within their host communities. Concluding the summit, NABMON reiterated its readiness to partner with regulatory bodies, cement producers, and built- environment professionals to foster sustainable development and ethical business practices nationwide.