Nigeria cement price surge worsens housing crisis

Rising cement prices in Nigeria are exacerbating the national housing crisis by driving up construction costs, property values, and rents. In some locations, the price of a 50kg bag of Dangote Cement has surged to over N15,000.

Building sector operators have called for urgent intervention, including the conclusion of an ongoing investigation by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) into potential market abuses and suspected cartels. Experts note that the price hikes are difficult to justify given Nigeria’s significant limestone deposits and an annual production capacity estimated between 60 and 65 million metric tonnes, which far exceeds domestic consumption.

In response to these prohibitive costs, housing stakeholders are urging a shift toward alternative building materials. Suggested alternatives include compressed stabilized earth blocks, interlocking laterite blocks, clay bricks, bamboo, and precast components. Experts emphasize that while material diversity is necessary for affordable housing, all alternatives must meet strict structural, fire safety, and durability standards to ensure quality is not compromised.