Cement prices across Nigeria surged sharply in January 2026, deepening concerns over rising construction costs and housing affordability.
Market checks show that a 50-kilogram bag of cement now sells for about N10,500, up from roughly N9,800 in December 2025—an increase of about N1,000 or 7.1 percent per bag.
The new prices have taken effect in Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger and several other states, with variations depending on location.
The hike comes despite Nigeria’s vast limestone deposits in areas such as Obajana in Kogi State and Okpella in Edo State, which support local cement production. It also contradicts earlier assurances by major producers that cement prices would not exceed N7,000 per bag.
Industry observers warn that the increase could further drive up housing costs. In major urban centres like Abuja and Lagos, annual rent for self-contained apartments has reportedly risen by more than 100 percent, from about N400,000 to N800,000.
The development coincides with broader economic pressures. Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.15 percent in December 2025, up from 14.45 percent the previous month, while concerns persist over the government’s response to rising living costs.
Reacting to the situation, former president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko, described the latest price hike as troubling for the property sector.
Wamakko warned that higher cement prices would increase construction costs, push rents higher and threaten jobs across the construction value chain, as some businesses may be forced to shut down.
He recalled that major producers, including Dangote and BUA, were previously engaged by the Presidency after prices climbed to around N10,000 per bag and reportedly pledged to reduce them to N7,000. He said the reasons for the renewed increase remain unclear, noting the apparent inactivity of the Price Control Board.
Wamakko attributed the surge to rising demand from large-scale road construction, currency fluctuations and Nigeria’s dependence on imported chemicals and equipment for cement production, calling for a comprehensive review of the sector to address the underlying issues.
