FCCPC PROBES RISING CEMENT PRICES, QUESTIONS N13,000–N15,000 RETAIL COST
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a closer examination of the factors behind the sharp increase in cement prices across Nigeria.
The commission said the investigation is necessary because cement plays a major role in the economy, affecting housing construction, commercial developments, public infrastructure and the overall cost of doing business.
Speaking on the development, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the commission’s responsibility was to establish the facts behind the persistent increase rather than rely on assumptions.
He explained that preliminary market intelligence showed that the price of a 50kg bag of cement had risen considerably during the first half of 2026.
According to the commission, cement that sold for between N9,300 and N9,700 in January was retailing for about N10,500 to N13,000 by the middle of the year. By July, prices had climbed further, reaching between N13,000 and N15,000 in some parts of the country.
The FCCPC also compared Nigeria’s cement prices with those in other African countries.
It noted that Kenya, with a population of about 58.6 million, recorded domestic cement demand of approximately 9.3 million metric tonnes per annum in 2025, while a 50kg bag reportedly sold for about N7,344 in Nairobi.
In Tanzania, where the population is about 66.3 million, cement demand was also estimated at 9.3 million metric tonnes per annum, with a bag selling for approximately N6,528.
Togo, despite not having significant limestone deposits, was reported to have a retail cement price of about N9,180 per bag.
The commission noted that Nigeria has substantial limestone deposits and significant installed cement production capacity, making the sharp domestic price increases a matter requiring further investigation.
The next stage of the probe will focus on determining whether the current prices can be justified by genuine production, transportation and distribution costs or whether other market factors are responsible.
The FCCPC said it would investigate possible coordinated pricing, abuse of market power, restrictions on domestic supply and anti-competitive practices within the cement industry.
The commission’s findings could determine whether further regulatory action is necessary to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in Nigeria’s cement market.
