NIGERIAN trade unions will oppose the sale of a third Nigerian cement company to Britain’s Blue Circle. The proposed sale of remaining government shares in Benue Cement Company plc will give Blue Circle an effective monopoly of cement production in Nigeria, Adams Oshiomhole, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress said. Blue Circle has in recent months bought a controlling stake in Ashaka Cement and West African Portland Cement. Oshiomhole said a third acquisition, of shares in Benue Cement Company, will give Blue Circle control of more than 95% of Nigeria’s cement production, “making their domination of the industry absolute”. “To allow one foreign firm almost 100% control of the industry would negate the spirit and essence of the privatisation effort which is aimed at allowing fair competition and a better price for consumers,” Oshiomhole said. The British company is currently the target of a hostile takeover bid by French group Lafarge.