Nigerians Decry Soaring Cement Prices Despite Pledges from Dangote, BUA
Nigerians are raising alarm over the persistent hike in cement prices nationwide, despite assurances by major manufacturers to slash prices in support of President Bola Tinubu’s housing agenda.
Investigations by thewatch.ng reveal that the price of cement remains between ₦9,500 and ₦12,000 per 50kg bag across different regions, including Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt — a sharp contrast to earlier promises made by cement manufacturers such as Dangote Cement, BUA, and Lafarge.
Cement Prices Previously Dropped,Then Spiked Again
In March 2025, cement prices briefly dropped to about ₦7,800 per bag, following intervention from the federal government. This was a significant drop from ₦15,000 per bag in February 2024. The move was seen as a gesture to back Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Initiative.
However, that relief was short-lived. By May 2025, cement prices began to climb again, with no tangible reduction seen across the retail market, despite public statements by cement producers committing to lower prices.
Cost of Housing and Rent Skyrocketing
The ripple effect has been severe in Nigeria’s real estate sector. Across Abuja, rents have doubled. In Gwarimpa, for example, the annual rent for a self-contained apartment jumped from ₦700,000 to over ₦1.5 million. Property developers say the cost of cement alone has contributed to the rising housing crisis.
Stakeholders Demand Government Action
Benjamin Udoka, a construction sector stakeholder, expressed frustration at the situation, questioning why Aliko Dangote, who was praised for a recent cut in petrol pump prices, has not implemented similar strategies in the cement sector.
“It is painful that Dangote did not replicate his fuel price reduction strategy in the cement industry. In some parts of Abuja, a 50kg bag is going for ₦11,000. The federal government must enforce price control. Nigerians can’t cope with these outrageous rent prices,” Udoka said.
REDAN Blames Lack of Government Engagement
Aliyu Wamakko, former national president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), blamed the price spike on weak engagement between the federal government and manufacturers.
“Cement prices are rising due to increased demand and insufficient supply. The irony is that 70% of cement raw materials are sourced locally, so prices should be cheaper. Unfortunately, the government’s use of cement for road construction has worsened the demand imbalance,” he noted.
Wamakko advised the government to prioritize the use of refinery waste materials for roads and reserve cement exclusively for housing projects. He also called for the revival of a national price control mechanism.
No Response from Dangote Group or Consumer Agency
When thewatch.ng contacted Dangote Group’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, he declined to comment on the matter. Similar efforts to reach FCCPC spokesperson, Ondaje Ijagwu, also yielded no response.
Inflation Down, But No Relief in Housing
While the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported a decline in Nigeria’s headline inflation to 22.97%, and food inflation has slightly eased, the housing sector has not experienced similar relief.
The Tinubu administration’s 3,112-unit housing project, announced in February 2024 and led by Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has yet to be delivered, further compounding the housing deficit across Nigeria.
Senate Probe Yet to Deliver Results
The Senate’s 2024 resolution to probe the persistent hike in cement prices has yielded no clear outcome, leaving many Nigerians with few answers and even fewer options.
As housing becomes increasingly unaffordable for the average citizen, calls for meaningful policy action are growing louder.
