Workers in the construction and engineering sector on Thursday praised the Federal Government for plans to raise about N20 billion for the take off of the Cement Technology Institute.

The workers, under the umbrella of the National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, said the step would open job opportunities for construction workers.

Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the union, Mr Adeoye Shabi, told our correspondent that the institute would lead to the establishment of more cement factories.

According to him, this will in turn create jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

He said that the establishment of the institute would also boost the country’s income as the country would start exporting cement to other African countries.

“Some of our members have been out of job for some time because of the closure of cement factories and the inability to complete construction projects due to lack of fund.

“We hope that the cement institute will start operation soon to allow for the expansion of cement factories and a boost of the economy,’’ he said.

Also commenting on the plans for the institute, Mr Manuel Ogbe, a member of the union, said it would help reduce the price of cement nationwide.

He noted that price reduction would help create jobs for construction workers and engineers while private organisations and individuals would resume building projects.

He urged the government to grab the opportunity and ensure that Nigeria became a net exporter of cement in Africa.

It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan last Monday announced plans to establish the institute during the groundbreaking ceremony of a three-million-tonne-line at the Obajana Cement Factory in Kogi.