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Nigerians groan as cement price skyrockets to N6,500 per bag amid forex woes, inflation
Nigerians groan as cement price skyrockets to N6,500 per bag amid forex woes, inflation
Just over two months, there has been a significant surge in the retail price of cement in Nigeria. Formerly N5,000 per bag in December 2023, the cost has escalated to N6,500 in different parts of the country
Investigations reveal that the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) has increased prices by over N1,000 per bag for respective brands.
As a result, retail prices have surged to N6,200 or higher in Lagos and the Southwest, while in the Southeast and Abuja, they have surged to as much as N6,500 or even more.
Major cement producers in Nigeria
According to Leadership, the cement industry in Nigeria is primarily dominated by three key players. Leading the pack is Dangote Cement Plc, which holds a commanding 60.6% market share.
Dangote Cement has an impressive local installed capacity of 29.3 million MT.
Following closely behind is Lafarge Africa Plc, with a 21.8% market share and a production capacity of 10.5 million MT. Completing the trio is BUA Group, accounting for 17.6% of the market share.
Cost of blocks affected by cement price hikes
The latest changes in the market have affected the pricing of concrete blocks significantly. Manufacturers have responded by revising their prices, resulting in an increase in the cost of a six-inch block from N450 to N500 and a rise in the price of a nine-inch block from N550 to N600 per unit.
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Moreover, there has been a notable uptick in the price of ready-mix concrete, and the expenses related to in-situ concrete production are anticipated to increase substantially.
This surge in costs is expected to worsen the economic challenges, leading to higher prices for new homes, elevated rental rates, and increased maintenance costs.
Consumers lament rising cost
Last year, Abdulsamad Rabiu, the chairman of BUA Group, announced a reduction in the cost of a bag of BUA cement from N5,000 to N3,500.
While the announcement was well received, many Nigerians quickly mounted pressure on Dangote Cement to also do the same, but the company declined, insisting that its product sold for far less than in other African countries.
Despite Rabiu’s announcement of a price reduction, investigations showed that retailers were still selling at higher prices, citing expenses along the supply chain.
The recent spike in the price of the product has generated serious concern amongst retailers, builders, block moulders and even average consumers.
Speaking with Legit.ng, Micah Akinloye, PRO of Akerele Block Manufacturers Association, expressed concern over the persistent increase in cement prices, highlighting its adverse impact on association members’ production output and income.
He said:
Cement prices have become so expensive and it is affecting how much we can make from the production of blocks. This has also affected how lucrative block production used to be. Because the hike in cement prices and every other building materials in the market, patronage has become very low.
Akinloye appealed to the Federal Government to intervene by issuing additional licenses to industrialists for cement production.
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In 2023, the Cement Producers Association of Nigeria cautioned about the Federal Government’s proposal to implement concrete roads, forecasting a potential increase in cement price to N9,000 per bag from the current N5,000 price.
In a statement, they also urged the current administration to take decisive action to resolve the recurrent issue of cement price hikes by promoting wider involvement in the cement industry.
They emphasized that Nigerians should not have to pay more than N5,600 per bag for cement.
Builders ask FG to slash cement price
In related news, Legit.ng reported that the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building has called on the federal government to intervene and lower the cement price in the country.
The institute stated this at a briefing in Lagos state ahead of its 32nd Builders Conference tagged “Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management.”
They attributed the skyrocketing cement prices to poor foreign exchange, adding that this has taken a toll on producers.
Nigerians groan as cement price skyrockets to N6,500 per bag amid forex woes, inflation
News
Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents
Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents
The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa, has announced a free 3kg cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents of the council area.
Obasa made the announcement via a post on X on Friday, stating that the initiative is aimed at reducing household energy costs and providing immediate relief at the grassroots amid rising prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
According to the council chairman, beneficiaries will be selected from the seven wards in Agege, with equal allocation across all wards to ensure fairness, accessibility, and inclusiveness.
“As part of our continued commitment to easing the daily burdens faced by our people, I am pleased to announce a free cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents across the seven wards in Agege,” Obasa said.
He explained that designated gas refill stations have been assigned to each ward, adding that the distribution would run on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are required to bring their personal gas cylinders, as only refill services will be provided.
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Obasa warned that once the allocated slots for any ward are exhausted, the exercise would be concluded in that location.
The council boss said the intervention is part of measures to cushion the impact of rising gas prices, support vulnerable households, and promote the use of cleaner and safer cooking energy.
“This is one of several people-focused programmes we are implementing to improve quality of life, encourage clean energy adoption, and demonstrate that governance must be felt where it matters most — in our homes and communities,” he stated.
Obasa is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, though the council stressed that the initiative is part of its local social intervention programmes.
The announcement has attracted mixed reactions on social media, with many residents welcoming the scheme as timely relief amid economic pressure.
However, some critics questioned the sustainability of the intervention, arguing that job creation, empowerment programmes, and small business support would provide more long-term economic solutions.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by Obasa to the criticisms, though council officials said further details on distribution dates and locations would be communicated through official channels.
Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents
News
UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing
UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has confirmed that 100-level student Sadiya Usman has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week. The university expressed relief and gratitude to the public and security agencies for their assistance in locating the student.
Sadiya Usman, who is enrolled in the Department of Accounting, was last seen leaving her residence at Kontagora Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, 18 February 2026, at around 8:00 a.m. She was on her way to the university’s Main Campus to sit for her Computer-Based Test (GST 111) but did not arrive for the exam.
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After her disappearance, her guardian reported her missing when all attempts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful. The university promptly activated internal safety protocols and collaborated with security agencies, campus authorities, and the public to ensure her safe recovery.
The student was eventually located late on Thursday, 20 February 2026, around 11:49 p.m., and is reported to be safe, unhurt, and in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that coordinated efforts between the university, law enforcement, and concerned members of the public were instrumental in her recovery.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and welfare, promising continuous updates as necessary. It also thanked those who responded to the public appeal for information and urged students and parents to remain vigilant about safety.
This incident highlights the importance of campus security measures, timely reporting of missing persons, and the role of community involvement in safeguarding students.
UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing
News
Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim
Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed plans to arrest and prosecute TikTok user Mirabel after she admitted that her viral rape allegation was false, authorities and investigative reports indicate.
Mirabel, a social media influencer, first sparked national attention after posting videos alleging she had been sexually assaulted in her home in Ogijo, Ogun State. The posts quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage, calls for justice, and prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation.
An audio recording of a phone conversation, shared online by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), reportedly captures Mirabel acknowledging that parts of her story were fabricated. In the recording, she apologises and admits creating a threatening TikTok account to support her narrative, claiming she had been taking drugs at the time and “was not thinking clearly” when posting the videos.
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A police source said senior officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving medical care. Once she is discharged, she will be taken into custody and formally charged under provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code relating to false reporting of sexual offenses. “The essence is to serve as a deterrent to others,” the source added.
The Ogun State Police had earlier ensured that Mirabel received medical treatment and support, following procedures to protect her health while the investigation continued. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that the incident fell outside its jurisdiction and forwarded all relevant information to the Ogun authorities.
This development has sparked public debate about the responsible use of social media, the impact of false allegations, and the importance of evidence-based reporting. Legal experts warn that fabricating sexual assault claims can carry serious criminal penalties and may undermine the credibility of genuine victims.
Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to cooperate with law enforcement in ongoing investigations. Updates on the case will be issued by the Ogun State Police Command as formal legal proceedings begin.
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