Why Price Of Cement Is Increasing Across Nigeria

Dealers across the country have blamed rising logistics and distribution costs for the latest spike in cement prices, even as builders and consumers decry the impact on construction activities.

A dealer in Abuja disclosed to Daily Trust that customers who purchase an entire truckload of Dangote Cement can still secure the product at about ₦10,500 per bag.

However, he noted that such bulk discounts remain beyond the reach of many small-scale builders.

According to him, transportation, loading charges and distributor margins further widen the gap between ex-factory prices and what end-users eventually pay.

In Lagos, the sudden increase has sparked outrage among contractors, block makers and individual home builders.

Findings showed that the price of a 50kg bag of cement rose from about ₦9,000 in December 2025 to ₦10,000 in January 2026, and has now climbed to as high as ₦11,500 in some areas.

According to Daily Trust, a visit to cement markets in the state revealed that retailers are accusing dealers and middlemen of arbitrary markups.

“We buy cement from middlemen and dealers and not directly from manufacturers. The dealers and middlemen buy at a reasonable price, but turn around to inflate the prices,” said Ikechukwu Anthony, a cement seller in the Ojo area of Lagos.

“They claim that the prices have increased due to transportation costs and other expenses, but we know that’s not true,” he added.

Another seller in the Mowo area of Badagry, Ibrahim Ojo, also blamed dealers and middlemen for the persistent hike.

The dealers, however, have remained tight-lipped, fuelling speculation among retailers and consumers.

Kano Dealers Raise Concerns

In Kano, the benchmark price has effectively shifted to ₦10,500 and above.

Alhaji Nasiru Awwalu Mustapha, a dealer of BUA Cement in Maidile quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area, said manufacturers are now supplying to dealers at elevated rates.

“BUA is giving us ₦10,500. Dangote is ₦10,450 while Mangal is ₦10,550 per bag. By the time we add transport and other expenses, retail prices go to ₦10,800 or ₦11,000,” he said.

Mustapha expressed concern that frequent adjustments were affecting demand.

“Customers complain every day. Some have suspended their projects. We are not happy either because when prices go up too fast, sales volume drops,” he added.

Another dealer, Sani Maigemu, corroborated the position, noting that the development had created uncertainty in the market.

According to him, cement companies cited taxes and other statutory obligations as part of the reasons for the new pricing structure.

Block Makers Adjust Prices

Aminu Inuwa, a block maker in Kano, said they now purchase cement at between ₦10,800 and ₦10,900 per bag, depending on the brand.

“Mangal is about ₦10,900, while BUA and Dangote are around ₦10,800. Because of this, we have increased the price of blocks. A nine-inch special block that was ₦750 is now ₦800,” he said.

He warned that further increases in block prices could become inevitable if cement prices continue to rise.

Checks in Kaduna showed that BUA cement is selling at ₦10,900, while Dangote and Mangal are priced at around ₦10,800.

In Jigawa State, dealers confirmed that cement now sells for as high as ₦11,000 per bag.

However, in Zaria, some dealers said Sokoto Cement, BUA and Dangote were still available at about ₦10,200, offering slight relief compared to other cities.