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Operators seek government’s intervention over high cement cost
Operators seek government’s intervention over high cement cost
Towards making home ownership more accessible, operators in the building sector value chain have appealed to the Federal government to intervene over the persistent increase in the price of cement.
Cement is a critical ingredient for housing construction in Nigeria, as it determines, in no small measure, the number of houses that could be constructed over time. It performs a fundamental role in constructing foundations, floors, walls, and other structural elements, providing strength, durability, and stability.
The potency of cement is essentially hinged on its ability to bind aggregates such as sand, gravel, and others together when mixed with water, thus making it an essential component for housing construction.
However, over the years, the construction industry in Nigeria has faced challenges, as cement prices have surged to unprecedented levels. Between December 2023 and November 2024, the price of a 50kg bag of cement sold for an average of N5,000 and N8,000 in the open market.
As of April 2025, the average retail price per 50kg bag of cement ranges between N10,000 and N10,500, depending on locations and the brand.
The price of cement had in the recent past surged to N15,000 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Lagos and other Nigerian cities before stabilising between N9,500 and N10,500 per 50kg, especially for one of the leading cement manufacturers. Other brands, such as BUA, Lafarge Cement, sell at a slightly different price in the building materials market.
The cement manufacturers attributed the price increase to rising production costs triggered by inflation and transportation costs, high cost of labour, frequent disruptions in gas supplies, and high cost of maintenance for equipment.
Block manufacturers under the aegis of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) recently called on the Federal Government to intervene with practical and urgent measures to stabilise the surge in cement price and prevent a looming construction crisis.
NABMON President, Adesegun Banjoko, lamented over the continued inaction on the part of the government regarding the persistent rise in cement prices—a trend that has ripple effects across the construction sector, housing delivery, and public infrastructure projects.
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Adesegun said, “We are waiting for that pragmatic step from the government on this issue of cement prices. Just as we’ve seen conscious and deliberate efforts to stabilise the Naira and petroleum prices, similar intervention is urgently needed in the cement sector.”
Expressing worries over the development, a builder based in Lagos, Mr Ebuka Okoro, said, “It will be ideal if the price of cement can be N5,000 per 50kg. This will encourage more investors and more people to build and bridge the huge housing deficit in the country.
“The usual complaints by the producers for hikes in the price are the cost of diesel and other industrial fuels, which they say increased significantly, impacting production costs. They also attributed the increase to frequent disruptions in gas supplies, which have affected cement production.”
A Lagos-based cement seller, Michael Adeyemi, lamented that the price increase has had a devastating impact on builders and contractors, with many struggling to manage their budgets.
According to him, the high price of cement will undoubtedly affect the buying power of individuals and businesses looking to buy homes or engage in other construction projects.”
Adeyemi said the government need to address the issues contributing to unstable prices, especially high maintenance costs due to heavy-duty machinery and facilities used by producers, erratic power supply, and unfriendly government policies to stabilise the prices and support the construction industry
Towards making home ownership more accessible, operators in the building sector value chain have appealed to the Federal government to intervene over the persistent increase in the price of cement.
Cement is a critical ingredient for housing construction in Nigeria, as it determines, in no small measure, the number of houses that could be constructed over time. It performs a fundamental role in constructing foundations, floors, walls, and other structural elements, providing strength, durability, and stability.
The potency of cement is essentially hinged on its ability to bind aggregates such as sand, gravel, and others together when mixed with water, thus making it an essential component for housing construction.
However, over the years, the construction industry in Nigeria has faced challenges, as cement prices have surged to unprecedented levels. Between December 2023 and November 2024, the price of a 50kg bag of cement sold for an average of N5,000 and N8,000 in the open market.
As of April 2025, the average retail price per 50kg bag of cement ranges between N10,000 and N10,500, depending on locations and the brand.
The price of cement had in the recent past surged to N15,000 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Lagos and other Nigerian cities before stabilising between N9,500 and N10,500 per 50kg, especially for one of the leading cement manufacturers. Other brands, such as BUA, Lafarge Cement, sell at a slightly different price in the building materials market.
The cement manufacturers attributed the price increase to rising production costs triggered by inflation and transportation costs, high cost of labour, frequent disruptions in gas supplies, and high cost of maintenance for equipment.
Block manufacturers under the aegis of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) recently called on the Federal Government to intervene with practical and urgent measures to stabilise the surge in cement price and prevent a looming construction crisis.
NABMON President, Adesegun Banjoko, lamented over the continued inaction on the part of the government regarding the persistent rise in cement prices—a trend that has ripple effects across the construction sector, housing delivery, and public infrastructure projects.
Adesegun said, “We are waiting for that pragmatic step from the government on this issue of cement prices. Just as we’ve seen conscious and deliberate efforts to stabilise the Naira and petroleum prices, similar intervention is urgently needed in the cement sector.”
Expressing worries over the development, a builder based in Lagos, Mr Ebuka Okoro, said, “It will be ideal if the price of cement can be N5,000 per 50kg. This will encourage more investors and more people to build and bridge the huge housing deficit in the country.
“The usual complaints by the producers for hikes in the price are the cost of diesel and other industrial fuels, which they say increased significantly, impacting production costs. They also attributed the increase to frequent disruptions in gas supplies, which have affected cement production.”
A Lagos-based cement seller, Michael Adeyemi, lamented that the price increase has had a devastating impact on builders and contractors, with many struggling to manage their budgets.
According to him, the high price of cement will undoubtedly affect the buying power of individuals and businesses looking to buy homes or engage in other construction projects.”
Adeyemi said the government need to address the issues contributing to unstable prices, especially high maintenance costs due to heavy-duty machinery and facilities used by producers, erratic power supply, and unfriendly government policies to stabilise the prices and support the construction industry
Although the Federal government had in the recent past met with some of the producers and appealed to them to reduce prices to N7, 000 and N8, 000 per 50kg, but retail prices continue to hover around N10, 000 and N10, 500, thereby hampering efforts at increasing the nation’s housing stocks.
The experts advocated industry-specific intervention for cement manufacturers. They suggested that the government should subsidise the production costs, invest in infrastructure that enhances manufacturers’ activities, and encourage competition in the cement sector to drive down prices.
A building contractor, Mr Obiora Alex, said, “By subsidising production costs, the government can enable cement manufacturers to reduce their prices. Investing in infrastructure can reduce transportation costs and make it easier to get cement from factories to construction sites.”
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Federal High Court Rules in Favour of Adron Homes Over Estate Management Rights
In a legal victory for Adron Homes, the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has dismissed the suit brought by the Registered Trustees of the City of David Residents Association (CODRA) and five others, Elder Gbadebo Aromolaran, Mr. Adetokunbo Adeshile, Mr. Olaolu Ayinde, Olusegun Aba Yomi Esq, Oluwadamilare Awokoya Esq, against Adron Homes and Properties Limited.
The case, Suit No. FHC/AB/FHR/58/2023, was presided over by Hon. Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi, who, after an exhaustive review of the claims and evidence presented, found the Applicants’ allegations to be unsubstantiated, speculative, and without merit.
The Applicants had alleged that Adron Homes infringed on their right to personal liberty. However, the court held that they failed to present any credible evidence showing that Adron Homes posed any threat or committed any act constituting a breach of their fundamental human rights.
Hon. Justice Adeyemi noted that there was no record or proof of any invitation, arrest, or action traceable to Adron Homes that could justify such a claim. He concluded that the allegations were merely speculative and unsupported by evidence.
On the claim of proscription and infringement of the Applicants’ right to freedom of association, the court ruled emphatically that Adron Homes has no power to proscribe CODRA or prevent residents from associating. However, in a critical clarification, the court affirmed that while residents are free to associate among themselves, the legal right to own, manage, and make administrative decisions concerning the estate remains vested in Adron Homes, as the rightful developer and manager.
Justice Adeyemi stressed that the court’s decision was guided strictly by evidence and the law, not by conjecture or subjective interpretation. Consequently, the Applicants’ case was dismissed in its entirety.
Despite Adron Homes’ victory in the lawsuit, the organisation’s true victory is in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of all its subscribers and residents, and they will not relent in guaranteeing this.
This landmark judgement not only vindicates Adron Homes but also reaffirms its position as a law-abiding, customer-focused developer dedicated to delivering value and protecting the interests of its clients.
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Federal High Court Dismisses CODRAS’ Suit, Victory for Adron Homes
In a legal victory for Adron Homes, the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has dismissed the suit brought by the Registered Trustees of the City of David Residents Association (CODRA) and five others, Elder Gbadebo Aromolaran, Mr. Adetokunbo Adeshile, Mr. Olaolu Ayinde, Olusegun Aba Yomi Esq, Oluwadamilare Awokoya Esq, against Adron Homes and Properties Limited.
The case, Suit No. FHC/AB/FHR/58/2023, was presided over by Hon. Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi, who, after an exhaustive review of the claims and evidence presented, found the Applicants’ allegations to be unsubstantiated, speculative, and without merit.
The Applicants had alleged that Adron Homes infringed on their right to personal liberty. However, the court held that they failed to present any credible evidence showing that Adron Homes posed any threat or committed any act constituting a breach of their fundamental human rights.
Hon. Justice Adeyemi noted that there was no record or proof of any invitation, arrest, or action traceable to Adron Homes that could justify such a claim. He concluded that the allegations were merely speculative and unsupported by evidence.
On the claim of proscription and infringement of the Applicants’ right to freedom of association, the court ruled emphatically that Adron Homes has no power to proscribe CODRA or prevent residents from associating. However, in a critical clarification, the court affirmed that while residents are free to associate among themselves, the legal right to own, manage, and make administrative decisions concerning the estate remains vested in Adron Homes, as the rightful developer and manager.
The court per Justice Adeyemi stressed that the court’s decision was guided strictly by evidence and the law, not by conjecture or subjective interpretation. Consequently, the Applicants’ case was dismissed in its entirety.
Despite Adron Homes’ victory in the lawsuit, the organisation’s true victory is in ensuring the wellbeing and satisfaction of all its subscribers and residents, and they will not relent in guaranteeing this.
This landmark judgement not only vindicates Adron Homes but also reaffirms its position as a law-abiding, customer-focused developer dedicated to delivering value and protecting the interests of its clients.
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NIESV Lagos Chairman Leads Delegation to Adron Homes, Seeks Strategic Collaboration
In a significant move toward fostering synergy between key players in the real estate sector, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Branch, ESV Tosin Kadiri, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF. The visit, which took place at the Adron Homes Head Office, demonstrated the growing need for strategic partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and professional integration within Nigeria’s real estate ecosystem.
Welcoming the NIESV delegation, the Group Chairman, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, a proud member of the Institute, shared an inspiring insight into the journey that birthed Adron Homes. He recalled his early professional experiences in estate management, which shaped his vision to transition into property development, not merely to build houses, but to create cities, communities, and homes that endure.
“Adron Homes was not born out of convenience, but of a calling,” he stated. “The industry is rife with challenges, but if you are truly called and driven by vision, you will stand out. We’ve seen many fall by the wayside, but with determination, resilience, and strategic thinking, we have continued to build and grow.”
He highlighted Adron’s innovative application of the labelling theory in estate development, thematically branding each estate to reflect cultural or geographic inspiration. This, he noted, along with Adron’s heavy investment in infrastructure, has set the company apart as a responsible, visionary, and futuristic developer.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, the Chairman of NIESV Lagos Branch, ESV Kadiri Tosin, lauded Adron Homes as a formidable pillar in the Nigerian real estate landscape. He admired the scale and consistency of Adron’s developments and emphasized the need for a more structured relationship between the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), and Adron Homes.
“We are here to seek collaboration. We believe that our members can tap into the vast structures and opportunities that Adron Homes has already created,” he stated. Adding to the discourse, the Chairman of the NIESV Cooperative Society echoed the call for a deeper partnership. He proposed a collaborative housing scheme wherein Adron Homes could allocate a zone within its existing estates for NIESV members to create bespoke properties, aligned with their professional dreams and financial capabilities. According to him, “This collaboration could bring our collective dream into the larger Adron vision.”
In addition, the NIESV Lagos Chairman proposed a strategic partnership where experienced members of the institute, particularly those with expertise in estate and facility management, can be integrated into Adron Homes’ operations to create added value across its estates.
In his response, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking welcomed the proposals with open arms, expressing optimism about the future of a deepened collaboration between both parties.
“We’ve enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with NIESV Lagos Branch in the past,” he said. “This administration brings renewed energy, and we are eager to deepen that relationship in meaningful and strategic ways. We are always open to working with professionals whose values align with our mission and vision.”
Members of the NIESV Lagos Branch delegation took turns to commend the impressive footprint of Adron Homes across the nation. One of the executives remarked, “This visit has been an eye-opener. As practitioners in the industry, we often underestimate the breadth and depth of being a real estate developer. Today, we’ve gained a new perspective, and more importantly, renewed inspiration.”
In attendance at the high-level meeting were several NIESV executives; the Vice-Chairman, ESV Ayodeji Odeleye, the Honorary Secretary, ESV Olaseni Lojede, among others, as well as Adron Group’s management team, including the Managing Director, Adenike Ajobo; the Group Company Secretary, Shola Orunmuyiwa; the Deputy Managing Director, Business Investment, Chitola Roberts; the Chief Press Secretary, Maureen Echefu; and the Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Faruq Salisu, among other company executives.
The meeting ended on a promising note, with both institutions expressing strong commitment to building a collaborative future. The engagement marks a pivotal step toward the professionalization of housing development and delivery, opening doors to mutually rewarding collaborations between developers and estate professionals.
With visionaries like Aare Adetola Emmanuelking at the helm, championing sustainable development and collaboration, the future of Nigeria’s real estate industry continues to look exceptionally bright.
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