Nigerians are expressing frustration over the continued surge in cement prices across the country, despite repeated commitments by major manufacturers to lower costs.
Market surveys reveal that prices currently range between ₦9,500 and ₦12,000 per 50kg bag, depending on location and brand, maintaining a stubbornly high level that contradicts earlier promises of price reductions.
The situation marks a disappointing reversal from March 2025, when prices had dropped to ₦7,800 per bag after peaking at ₦15,000 in February 2024.
The optimism generated by that decline was further bolstered in May 2025 when industry giants, including Dangote Cement and BUA, publicly pledged to slash prices in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope housing initiative.
However, these commitments have failed to materialise in meaningful price reductions at retail levels.
Market analysis shows cement prices have actually increased by 28% to 53% in Abuja and other regions compared to earlier projections, with no significant price differentiation between major brands like Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge.
This sustained price inflation is having cascading effects across Nigeria’s construction sector, driving up costs for builders and ultimately contributing to rising housing expenses.
The persistently high prices are particularly painful for average Nigerians, as cement remains a fundamental component in construction projects.
The situation has exacerbated the already challenging housing affordability crisis, with increased construction costs being passed on to tenants through higher rents and property prices.
Industry observers note that the gap between corporate promises and market reality continues to undermine public confidence in the sector, leaving many to question whether regulatory intervention may be necessary to stabilise prices and protect consumers.
As the disparity between manufacturers’ commitments and actual market prices persists, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s cement industry to ensure price stability and support the government’s housing development goals.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
