New national cement standard approved in Nigeria

The standard of cement produced in Nigeria and whether or not it is responsible for building collapse has been a topic of much debate in recent months. In light of this, Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has given final approval for a new national cement standard, which will be mandatory for both locally manufactured and imported cement.

The new standard will be strictly enforced throughout the country following a short grace period, which will ensure compliance from all local producers. All cement produced domestically or imported into the country that meets the new standard will be tagged under the label ‘NIS 444-1.’

The ministry asserted that the new guidelines would enable end users to make the right choice in terms of selecting an appropriate cement type, help to avoid unethical application of the different types of cement, enhance proper identification of the different cement classes and improve traceability, as well as guide users. It was further noted by the ministry that the cement standards were reassessed as they had reached the five-year mandatory period for review, as well as due to concerns over cement quality and building collapse.

Cement grades and applications

• The highest grade, CEM I 52.5R, 52.5N or 52.5, will now be used for the construction of bridges.
• The second highest grade, CEM II 42.5R, 42.5N or 42.5 grade, will be used for the casting of columns, beams, slabs and for block moulding.
• The lowest grade cement, CEM I & II 32.5R, 32.5N or 32.5 grade, will only be used for the plastering of buildings.

Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/15052014/new_national_cement_standard_approved_in_nigeria_196/