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Operators seek government’s intervention over high cement cost

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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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Adron CEO Restates Support for Traditional Institutions During Oyo Palace Visit

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Adron CEO Restates Support for Traditional Institutions During Oyo Palace Visit

The Chairman, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s cultural diversity and traditional institutions during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.

According to the Adron CEO, the visit reflects the company’s belief that national development must be anchored on respect for heritage, culture, and indigenous authority across all ethnic nationalities.

“Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. At Adron Homes, we recognise that culture and tradition are not obstacles to development, but the very foundation upon which sustainable progress must be built,” Emmanuel-King stated.

He emphasised that Adron Homes’ engagement with traditional institutions is inclusive and nationwide, cutting across regions and ethnic lines as part of its broader vision for unity and shared prosperity.

“Our respect for traditional institutions is not limited to any one region. We honour royal fathers across Nigeria because they are custodians of our identity, values, and social stability,” he added.

The Adron Chairman noted that the company’s expanding footprint across several states continues to contribute to housing delivery, job creation, and economic empowerment, while aligning modern real estate development with indigenous values.

“We remain committed to building communities that serve present needs without eroding the cultural heritage that future generations must inherit,” Emmanuel-King said.

He further reaffirmed Adron Homes’ readiness to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation, tourism, and community development, stressing that collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions is vital for inclusive national growth.

In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, commended Adron Homes for recognizing culture and tradition as pillars of development, offering royal prayers for the company’s leadership, continued success, and the peace and unity of Nigeria.

The visit concluded with royal blessings and goodwill, reinforcing Adron Homes’ position as a corporate brand committed to cultural solidarity, inclusivity, and a diverse future for Nigeria.

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Adron CEO Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Diverse Cultures, Traditional Institutions

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Adron CEO Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Diverse Cultures, Traditional Institutions

The Founder and Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to the preservation and respect of Nigeria’s diverse cultures and traditional institutions, describing them as vital partners in sustainable national development.

Speaking after a landmark courtesy visit to the House of Oduduwa on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, hosted by His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, the Oonirisa of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Adron CEO stressed that the company’s engagement with royal institutions transcends ethnicity and regional boundaries.

According to Aare Emmanuel-King, Adron’s collaboration with traditional authorities is not limited to Yoruba land, but reflects a broader national philosophy that recognises the importance of all ethnic cultures and custodians of heritage across Nigeria in fostering unity, stability, and development.

“At Adron Homes, we believe that land is sacred and that development must be carried out with deep respect for culture, history, and traditional authority — not just in the South-West, but across every region of Nigeria,” he said.

The Adron CEO highlighted the company’s extensive footprint nationwide, noting its contributions to housing delivery, job creation, and economic empowerment across multiple states. He added that meaningful development thrives best when modern enterprise works in harmony with indigenous values and institutions.

As part of Adron’s long-term vision, Aare Emmanuel-King also announced plans for a landmark luxury estate project, ORISUN WHITE PARADISE RESORT, spanning over 200 acres in Ile-Ife, designed to blend modern luxury with cultural identity and tourism.

He expressed appreciation to Kabiyesi Oonirisa for the warm reception and royal blessings, describing the visit as a historic milestone that reinforces Adron Homes’ position as a corporate brand committed to cultural respect, inclusivity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

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Pelican Valley Estate drives CSR via widows outreach

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Pelican Valley Estate drives CSR via widows outreach

Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, a real estate company, through its foundation, Oko Opo Foundation, has reinforced its corporate social responsibility drive on Boxing Day as its flagship Pelican Valley Estate in Abeokuta hosted a large-scale outreach providing healthcare, financial assistance and educational support to widows.

In a statement, it was noted that the Oko Opo Widows Foundation, a non-profit organisation which caters for widows, orphans and less privileged members of society, has been lending helping hands to widows in the last three years, filling the void left by the departure of their husbands, and wives, as in the case of widowers.

It stated, “In carrying out this selfless service, the Foundation has established partnerships with well-meaning individuals and organisations, secured donations and grants and provided support to numerous beneficiaries as it focuses its programmes on education, healthcare and economic empowerment.”

The Founder, Dr Babatunde Adeyemo, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, described the gathering as a significant milestone in the journey to empower widows, orphans and the less privileged in society.

He noted that it was a time to celebrate not only the foundation’s achievements but also the resilience and determination of its beneficiaries, pledging to remain unrelenting in making a positive impact in the lives of people.

“We celebrate the widows who have found hope again, the orphans who have discovered a sense of belonging, and the less privileged who have been given succour. Philanthropy is borne out of a passion for lifting widows and the less privileged,” he said, adding that it is devoid of any political undertone.

He pledged to build houses for widows and fund free legal service for any widow facing persecution, injustice or being denied her rights in her matrimonial home due to the loss of her husband.

Adeyemo said, “Over the past year, Oko Opo Foundation, a non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation established to rekindle the hope of widows, has worked tirelessly to provide support and resources to those who need it most.

“As I reflect on our journey so far, I am reminded of the passion and commitment that drove me to establish this Foundation. As a journalist and entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand the impact of poverty and inequality on our society. I have witnessed the struggles of widows and orphans, and I have felt the weight of responsibility to make a difference.

“Oko Opo Foundation was born out of this sense of responsibility. Our mission is to rekindle hope in the lives of widows, orphans and the less privileged. We aim to provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Let me assure you that the Oko Opo Foundation will not relent in its noble efforts to rekindle hope and advocate for the improved welfare of widows, orphans and the less privileged in our society. I, personally, will continue to work tirelessly, using every resource at my disposal, to empower the needy. We also want to seize this medium to appreciate the contributions of donors, partners and volunteers who have made our work possible. As we look to the future, I am excited about the prospects ahead. We will continue to innovate and expand our programmes, seeking new and better ways to serve our beneficiaries.”

According to the statement, the widows had earlier received free medical screening and counselling for non-communicable ailments such as hypertension and blood sugar level, with necessary drugs provided for them courtesy of the Foundation’s medical outreach, as was the case in 2024.

It added, “Among the women that shared their soul-lifting stories yesterday about how Adeyemo brought succour to each of them through the Foundation was Mrs Titilope Adewunmi, widow of the late Ekiti State indigene, Wale Adewunmi, who practised journalism all his life in Ogun State before his demise in the middle of last year.

“Adewunmi narrated that the help was timely, happening just as she was about to head to a burial ground in Abeokuta with tearful eyes for the interment of her late husband when the call that changed her life and that of her first daughter came from the Oko Opo Foundation, informing her that she had been placed on a stipend for six months with free medical service in any hospital in the town at the expense of the Foundation. To cap it all, she said she was also informed that one of her children would be supported to further his/her education up to the university level.”

– PUNCH

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