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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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Empowered Women, Stronger Nation: Building Futures Through Property Ownership

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Empowered Women, Stronger Nation: Building Futures Through Property Ownership

 

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, attention rightly turns to the extraordinary role women play in shaping families, communities, and national economies. Beyond nurturing homes and leading in boardrooms, women are increasingly emerging as powerful drivers of nation-building through one of the most transformative assets of all, property ownership.

Across Nigeria, women are steadily breaking long-standing barriers in business, governance, technology, education, and entrepreneurship. Their expanding economic influence is uplifting households, strengthening institutions, and reinforcing the nation’s financial foundation. The evidence is clear: when women earn, communities prosper; when women invest, societies advance.

One of the most visible expressions of this progress is in real estate acquisition. Property ownership empowers women with security, stability, and the ability to build generational wealth. A home is more than a structure of concrete and steel, it is a platform for legacy, enterprise, social mobility, and long-term influence.

From young professionals purchasing their first plots of land to seasoned executives expanding diversified investment portfolios, Nigerian women are redefining wealth creation and strategic future planning. Their growing presence in the property market signals a cultural and economic shift toward asset-backed empowerment.

Real estate remains one of the safest and most rewarding investment paths, and women are embracing the opportunity with confidence. Their participation is reshaping urban development patterns, influencing housing demand, and stimulating construction, infrastructure growth, and employment value chains nationwide.

At Adron Homes and Properties, empowering women through property ownership is seen as a direct investment in national progress. Every woman who secures land or a home strengthens family stability, fuels economic growth, and inspires future generations to dream bigger and aim higher.

This International Women’s Day, women are celebrated not only for who they are, but for what they build:

* Builders of families
* Drivers of economic growth
* Investors in the future
* Architects of generational wealth

To honor their impact, Adron Homes is expanding access to ownership through flexible payment plans, inclusive investment opportunities, and customer-friendly support services designed to make property acquisition simple, transparent, and rewarding.

Because when women rise, nations thrive. And when women own property, the future is secured.

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, Adron Homes and Properties has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women with meaningful opportunities to serve, lead, and shape the future of Nigeria’s real estate landscape.

Observed globally on March 8, this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” calls for intentional investment in women through access to resources, education, mentorship, and leadership platforms. The message is clear: when women are empowered, organizations prosper, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger.

In line with this vision, Adron Homes highlighted its people-first culture, which promotes gender inclusion at all operational levels. From executive management and regional administration to marketing leadership, client experience, and field operations, women continue to play strategic roles in driving the company’s growth and service excellence.

According to the company, creating pathways for women to lead is not just a policy direction but a proven strategy that fuels innovation, strengthens decision-making, and deepens stakeholder trust.

Adron Homes also highlighted its internal capacity-building initiatives designed to equip female professionals with the skills and confidence needed for greater responsibility. Through structured mentorship, leadership exposure, and performance-based advancement systems, the organization continues to raise a new generation of women leaders within the property sector.

Delivering a message to commemorate the day, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to inclusive progress:

“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ speaks to a principle we strongly believe in at Adron Homes, empowering women is an investment with lasting returns. When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact goes beyond the workplace; it transforms families, industries, and society at large. We remain committed to building systems that help women rise and thrive.”

The company noted that its celebration of International Women’s Day reflects a broader mission, developing not only thriving residential communities but also a workplace culture where talent is recognized without bias and leadership opportunities are accessible to all.

As Adron Homes continues its expansion drive, it remains steadfast in fostering an environment where women are encouraged to contribute meaningfully, lead confidently, and grow sustainably.

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TERROR RETURNS TO IBADAN AS SUNDAY IGBHOBO UNLEASHES MAYHEM ON REAL ESTATE FIRMS, ALLEGEDLY BOASTS OF OLUBADAN’S BACKING

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TERROR RETURNS TO IBADAN AS SUNDAY IGBHOBO UNLEASHES MAYHEM ON REAL ESTATE FIRMS, ALLEGEDLY BOASTS OF OLUBADAN’S BACKING

Barely one month after basking in the euphoria of a presidential pardon and dramatic return from exile, Yoruba Nation firebrand Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has plunged Ibadan into fresh crisis mode, this time unleashing his loyalists on real estate companies across the ancient city in a reign of terror that has left developers trembling.

In a chilling replay of his combative past, Igboho has been spotted storming construction sites with a war convoy of over 15 vehicles, flanked by armed boys who descend on unsuspecting real estate firms like a swarm of locusts, shutting down operations and demanding settlement before companies can breathe. The latest incident, which occurred on Monday, saw Igboho and his gang invade the premises of a prominent real estate development firm, halting work completely and subjecting terrified staff to a torrent of fire and brimstone as workers fled for safety. At the same time, the activist read the riot act, warning them to pay up or pack up.

What has sent shockwaves through Ibadan’s business community is Igboho’s repeated boast that he is operating with the full backing of no less a personality than the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. Witnesses at the Monday invasion quoted him as brandishing the royal endorsement like a sledgehammer, daring anyone to challenge his authority while claiming that Oba Ladoja is his father and nobody can touch him in Ibadan, leaving many to wonder whether the revered first-class monarch is aware of the manner in which his name is being invoked to intimidate hardworking investors.

The irony is painfully stark because only weeks ago, Igboho was singing a different tune entirely, pleading with the Olubadan, Ooni of Ife, and Olugbon of Orile Igbon to secure his freedom from the presidency, expressing gratitude for their intervention, and promising to be a force for good upon his return. Yet, today he appears to have become the very insecurity he once condemned with his targets shifted from alleged criminal elements to law-abiding real estate developers creating jobs and building communities.

But the real estate sector is not taking this lying down as the company at the centre of Monday’s invasion has fired the first salvo in what promises to be a legal war, engaging the prestigious Afe Babalola law firm to seek urgent redress in court while their petition, which also heads to the Inspector General of Police, Oyo State Governor, National Assembly, and even the President’s office, alleges grave threats to life and demands that Igboho be restrained from further disruptions.

Legal experts confirm that the move signals a no-nonsense approach with the company insisting that business cannot be held hostage by anyone regardless of their political connections or previous notoriety. While some dismiss Igboho’s resurgence as mere grandstanding, others recall his shady antecedents, the thuggery, the terror, the bloody raid on his Ibadan home in 2021 that left three aides dead, and his dramatic flight into exile, making his threats impossible to ignore.

Community leaders and concerned citizens are now calling on Oba Ladoja to publicly disown whatever Igboho is doing in his name because the Olubadan is a respected institution and not a shield for intimidation, with one business owner fuming that if Igboho truly respects the monarch, he should stop dragging his revered stool into this mess.

With petitions mounting and the legal machinery grinding into action, the big question remains whether Sunday Igboho is testing the waters or this is the beginning of another dark chapter in Ibadan’s real estate landscape, and for now developers are watching their backs, workers are looking over their shoulders, and the ancient city holds its breath waiting to see whether the law will catch up with a man who once fled Nigeria under a hail of bullets only to return and allegedly unleash fresh hell on the very people trying to build it.

(more…)

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