Cement Prices Skyrocket Again As Dangote, BUA, Lafarge Hit New Record Highs

According to Ireporter Online, the prices of major cement brands in Nigeria have climbed further this week, heightening concerns among builders and consumers amid ongoing economic reforms under the Tinubu administration. Market checks indicate that dominant producers such as Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, and Lafarge Cement continue to maintain a firm grip on the sector, even as retail prices remain persistently high across various regions.

Findings from a recent market survey show that a 50kg bag of Dangote Cement is now selling between ₦10,200 and ₦10,400, while BUA Cement is retailing for ₦10,100 to ₦10,300. Lafarge Cement, on the other hand, ranges from ₦10,400 to ₦10,600 per 50kg bag.

Industry analysts attribute the sustained surge in cement prices to a blend of economic pressures and structural bottlenecks. The reliance on imported inputs—ranging from raw materials to machine parts—means that fluctuations in foreign exchange continue to inflate production costs, which manufacturers ultimately transfer to consumers. Energy expenses, especially the rising cost of diesel and electricity needed for production and distribution, have also contributed significantly to price escalation.

Logistics challenges remain another major driver, with poor road networks, security concerns, and long-distance haulage pushing transportation costs higher. These infrastructural limitations often determine the final retail price paid by end users.

The sector is also influenced by demand and supply trends. With construction activities increasing nationwide—spanning housing, commercial projects, and government infrastructure—manufacturers have struggled to match supply with growing demand, thereby reinforcing upward price movement.

While government officials have repeatedly urged producers to bring down the cost of cement, including appeals for a retail benchmark of about ₦7,000 per bag, manufacturers insist that economic realities make such reductions unrealistic at the moment. Market positioning and brand strategy also play a role, as major players with strong distribution networks and premium brand value tend to price higher than competitors even when production costs are comparable.