Nigerians are facing renewed pressure as the prices of cement produced by major manufacturers, including Dangote Cement and Mangal, surged sharply in January 2026.
Findings by DAILY POST show that the price of a 50-kilogram bag of cement has risen to about N10,500, up from roughly N9,800 in December 2025. The increase of about N700–N1,000 per bag represents a jump of approximately 7.1 percent.
The new prices have taken effect across Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, and several other states, with variations depending on location.
The latest hike has occurred despite Nigeria’s abundant raw materials for cement production in areas such as Obajana in Kogi State, Okpella in Edo State, and other parts of the country. It also contradicts earlier assurances by key industry stakeholders that cement prices would not exceed N7,000 per bag.
The rising cost of cement is already worsening Nigeria’s housing crisis, pushing rents further out of reach for many citizens. DAILY POST reports that the minimum annual rent for a self-contained apartment has climbed by more than 100 percent to about N800,000 from roughly N400,000, particularly in major urban centers such as Abuja and Lagos.
The development comes amid persistent inflationary pressures. Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.15 percent in December 2025 from 14.45 percent the previous month, further eroding household purchasing power. Critics say the government has remained largely silent on the twin challenges of rising rents and the escalating cost of living.
Reacting to the development, the former president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko, expressed deep concern over the continued increase in cement prices.
Speaking to DAILY POST, Wamakko warned that higher cement costs pose a serious threat to property development, housing affordability, and job creation in the country. He said rising construction costs would inevitably translate into higher rents, while many businesses in the construction value chain could be forced to shut down, leading to job losses.
He recalled that last year, cement producers such as Dangote and BUA were summoned by the Presidency after prices climbed to about N10,000 per bag, during which they reportedly pledged to reduce prices to around N7,000. According to him, the reasons for the current hike remain unclear, as the government has yet to offer any explanation.
Wamakko also criticized the apparent inactivity of the Price Control Board, noting that the agency should be monitoring and addressing such increases. He said the situation has become unpredictable, making it difficult to determine how high cement prices could rise.
He attributed the surge to increased demand driven by major road construction projects, currency fluctuations, and Nigeria’s dependence on imported chemicals and equipment used in cement production.
The former REDAN president called for a comprehensive review of the cement production and pricing system to identify the root causes of the problem and implement sustainable solutions.
