MORE TROUBLE FOR NIGERIANS AS CEMENT PRODUCERS JERK UP PRICES
Nigerians are facing fresh economic pressure as major cement manufacturers have raised the prices of cement products nationwide, a move that is expected to further inflate the cost of housing and construction projects across the country.
Checks in major markets show that a 50‑kilogram bag of Dangote Cement now retails at about ₦10,400, while Mangal Cement and BUA Cement are selling for approximately ₦10,500 and ₦10,200 respectively, marking a significant surge from previous months.
Industry experts attribute the increase to a combination of factors, including naira depreciation at the official foreign exchange market, rising energy and fuel costs, and high logistics expenses. Cement production is energy-intensive, and the rising cost of diesel and gas has pushed operational expenses for manufacturers higher. Poor road networks and high transport costs also contribute to the final retail prices.
Consumers, homeowners, and construction workers have expressed concern over the price hikes, warning that they could slow down ongoing projects and exacerbate the country’s housing deficit. Analysts say the increases could particularly affect small-scale builders and developers operating on tight budgets.
Critics have also raised concerns about the dominance of a few key players in the cement market, including Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, and Lafarge Africa, which gives the companies significant pricing power due to limited competition.
Lawmakers have previously called for investigations into cement price hikes, urging government intervention to ensure affordability for both consumers and the construction sector. In 2025, federal authorities appealed to manufacturers to reduce prices amid improved economic conditions to support infrastructure development and housing initiatives.
As the construction industry continues to depend on affordable cement, further price increases could have widespread effects on housing, roads, and commercial real estate, adding to inflationary pressures and raising calls for regulatory oversight and long-term market solutions.