Cement Prices Surge in Nigeria: Dangote and BUA Bags Hit ₦10,000 Amid Construction Boom
As Nigeria’s construction sector heats up with massive infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar highway and surging real estate demand, the cement price in Nigeria for major brands has climbed sharply this week. Homeowners and builders are feeling the pinch, with a standard 50kg bag now averaging ₦10,000—up from earlier 2025 lows—driven by supply chain hiccups and naira depreciation.
The latest market snapshots, drawn from depot reports and retailer quotes across Lagos, Abuja, and other key cities, reveal a tight market where Dangote cement price leads the pack. For the week ending November 2, 2025, expect to pay ₦10,200 to ₦10,400 per bag at retail outlets, with depot prices hovering around ₦9,000 to ₦9,500 for bulk buyers. This marks a roughly 10-15% jump from September’s ₦7,500-₦8,000 range, as manufacturers grapple with rising fuel and logistics costs.
BUA Cement, often hailed as a more wallet-friendly option, isn’t far behind in this BUA cement price escalation. Retailers are listing 50kg bags at ₦9,800 to ₦10,200, while depots offer them for ₦8,500 to ₦9,000. The brand’s expansion in northern Nigeria has helped stabilize supply there, but urban centers like Lagos report sporadic shortages pushing prices higher. “We’re seeing more orders than we can handle,” said a depot manager in Ikeja, Lagos, who requested anonymity. “Demand from government contracts is through the roof.”
Lafarge Cement (also known as Elephant) rounds out the big three, with Lafarge cement price steady at ₦10,000 to ₦10,500 per bag retail. Its strength in the south-east makes it a go-to for structural builds, though experts note it’s pricier due to import-dependent raw materials. Smaller players like Ibeto and UNICEM lag slightly, priced at ₦9,500 to ₦10,000, appealing to budget-conscious masons.
| Brand | Depot Price (₦ per 50kg bag) | Retail Price (₦ per 50kg bag) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangote Cement | 9,000 – 9,500 | 10,200 – 10,400 | Market leader; highest demand in Lagos/Abuja |
| BUA Cement | 8,500 – 9,000 | 9,800 – 10,200 | Strong in North; expanding capacity |
| Lafarge Cement | 9,200 – 9,800 | 10,000 – 10,500 | Premium for durability; South-East favorite |
| Ibeto Cement | 8,800 – 9,200 | 9,500 – 10,000 | Affordable alternative; limited distribution |
| UNICEM | 9,000 – 9,500 | 9,800 – 10,200 | Eastern focus; good for bulk buys |
These figures fluctuate daily based on location—add ₦500-1,000 for delivery in remote areas—and exclude VAT or handling fees. For a full trailer (600 bags), costs can balloon to ₦5.5-6.2 million, a nightmare for small-scale developers.
Behind the spike? Nigeria’s cement giants—Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge—boast a combined capacity of over 65 million tonnes annually, yet utilization hovers at 50% due to power shortages and logistics woes. The naira’s slide against the dollar jacks up imported input costs, while booming projects under President Tinubu’s administration suck up supply faster than factories can churn it out. “It’s a perfect storm,” notes Dr. Aisha Bello, an economist at the Lagos Business School. “Without incentives for new plants or better rail transport, prices won’t ease soon.”
Public outcry is mounting on social media, with builders venting frustration over squeezed margins. The National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) has called for more competition to curb the oligopoly, arguing that fresh entrants could slash cement price in Nigeria by 20%. Yet, manufacturers counter that frozen ex-factory prices for government contracts—announced in May—show their commitment to affordability.
For everyday Nigerians eyeing home extensions or fencing, the advice is simple: scout wholesalers early, haggle for bundles, and consider alternatives like rice-husk ash blends for non-critical mixes. Platforms like Jiji.ng are buzzing with deals, but verify authenticity to dodge fakes. As Q4 demand peaks with festive builds, savvy shoppers could lock in rates now before holiday hikes.
In summary, this week’s cement price in Nigeria volatility underscores the sector’s role in the economy—vital yet vulnerable. With expansions underway at BUA and Dangote plants, relief might come by mid-2026, but for now, brace for the high cost of progress.
By Mark Smith
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