The cost of cement in Nigeria has seen notable fluctuations in recent months, largely influenced by economic conditions, production costs, and government interventions.

These price changes impact the construction industry, affecting both large-scale developers and individual builders.

Below is an updated breakdown of the latest prices for major cement brands in Nigeria, including Dangote, BUA, Lafarge (Elephant), and others.

1. Dangote Cement

Dangote Cement, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, remains the largest cement producer in Nigeria, known for its widespread availability and quality. As of March 2025, the price of a 50kg bag of Dangote Cement ranges between ₦9,900 and ₦10,500, depending on location and retail supplier.

2. Lafarge Africa Plc (Elephant Cement)

Commonly referred to as Elephant Cement due to its distinctive branding, Lafarge Africa is a well-established name in the Nigerian cement industry. The price for a 50kg bag of Lafarge Cement currently varies between ₦9,100 and ₦10,500, influenced by regional market conditions and supply chain costs.

3. BUA Cement

BUA Cement, a major competitor in the Nigerian market, is recognized for its affordability while maintaining high quality. The 50kg bag of BUA Cement is currently priced between ₦8,000 and ₦11,000, with variations depending on the region and seller.

4. Ibeto Cement

Ibeto Cement, a product of the Ibeto Group, is known for its cost-effectiveness and growing market presence. As of March 2025, a 50kg bag of Ibeto Cement is available at prices ranging from ₦9,500 to ₦10,500.

5. United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (UniCem)

UniCem, a brand under Lafarge, has a strong market presence, especially in eastern Nigeria. It is widely used for both residential and structural construction projects. The price of a 50kg bag of UniCem Cement currently falls between ₦11,500 and ₦13,500, with location-based variations.

Government Efforts to Regulate Cement Prices

In response to rising cement costs, the Federal Government initiated discussions with major cement manufacturers, including Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, and Lafarge Africa. These engagements aimed to address supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and price manipulation within the industry.

As part of this intervention, an agreement was reached to lower cement prices from the previous range of ₦9,000–₦15,000 per 50kg bag to a more stable range of ₦7,000–₦8,000, depending on location. However, despite this agreement, significant price reductions have not been widely observed in the market.

The persistent high cost of cement has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, prompting further government scrutiny and potential regulatory measures to ensure affordability for consumers and businesses.

Cement prices in Nigeria remain volatile, influenced by production costs, transportation challenges, exchange rate fluctuations, and market demand. While government intervention aims to bring relief, actual price reductions have yet to take full effect. Consumers are advised to monitor market trends and buy from reputable suppliers to get the best deals.

The prices of essential food items in Nigeria have continued to fluctuate due to several economic and market factors, including rising transportation costs, seasonal availability, exchange rate fluctuations, and regional market dynamics.

These changes have had a direct impact on household budgets and food affordability for millions of Nigerians.

Below is an updated breakdown of the current prices for key food commodities across various markets in Nigeria.

1. Rice Prices in Nigeria

Rice remains a staple food in most Nigerian households, but its cost has been rising due to importation restrictions, currency devaluation, and production challenges.

Foreign Rice (50kg bag) – Currently selling between ₦72,000 and ₦75,000, depending on the brand and location.
Local Rice (50kg bag) – Priced slightly lower, between ₦69,000 and ₦70,000.

Despite government efforts to boost local rice production, demand for foreign rice remains high, contributing to its relatively higher price.

2. Beans Prices

Beans are a major protein source in Nigerian diets, and their price has surged in recent months.

White Beans (100kg bag) – Currently selling for approximately ₦110,000, a sharp increase from ₦89,000 the previous month.

The price spike is largely attributed to supply shortages, increased transport costs, and seasonal changes affecting bean harvests.

3. Tomato Prices

Tomatoes, an essential ingredient in Nigerian cuisine, have also seen price increases due to supply chain issues and seasonal variations.

Fresh Tomatoes (small basket) – Now priced between ₦3,000 and ₦3,500, reflecting a notable increase from previous months.

Price fluctuations in tomatoes are common due to perishability and weather conditions affecting production in key farming areas.

4. Prices of Noodles and Spaghetti

Instant noodles and spaghetti remain popular choices for quick and affordable meals, but their prices have also risen.

Indomie Noodles (70g pack, per carton) – Costs between ₦3,000 and ₦3,800, depending on market location.
Spaghetti (500g pack, per carton) – Priced between ₦6,700 and ₦6,800.

The increase in prices is linked to higher production costs and inflation affecting food manufacturing companies.

5. Edible Oil Prices

The cost of cooking oil has surged significantly, impacting household cooking expenses.

Groundnut Oil (25-litre container) – Now selling for approximately ₦32,500.
Palm Oil (75cl bottle) – Increased from ₦1,000 to ₦1,500.

Rising oil prices are attributed to increased demand, processing costs, and transportation expenses.

6. Prices of Other Foodstuffs

Other staple foods have also recorded price increases, further straining household budgets.

Garri (50kg bag, white variant) – Now sold at ₦20,000, up from ₦18,000.
Yam (per tuber) – Previously ₦900, now priced at ₦1,200.

Garri remains a major staple food, and its price rise is driven by higher production and transportation costs. Similarly, yam prices are affected by seasonal supply fluctuations and storage expenses.

The steady increase in food prices has raised concerns among consumers, businesses, and policymakers. While the government has introduced various interventions, such as boosting local production and reducing import dependency, the impact on affordability remains limited.

Market analysts predict that prices may remain high in the coming months unless there are significant improvements in food supply chains, transportation infrastructure, and inflation control measures.

Consumers are advised to monitor market trends and explore alternative food options where possible to manage expenses.

Food inflation continues to pose a challenge for Nigerians, with prices of essential commodities rising across the board. The combination of economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, and seasonal changes has made food affordability a major issue.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, currently facing backlash over the allegation of sexual harassment, may step down in the coming week in a plot to allow the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) to officially clear him, SaharaReporters has learnt.

The Senate Committee after clearing Akpabio is then expected to recommend an “indefinite suspension” for his accuser and female senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, SaharaReporters further gathered from top sources in the red chamber on Saturday.

According to the sources, both Natasha and Akpabio will in the coming week appear the senate committee in a bid to make the Senate president “fulfil all righteousness” before landing a heavier blow on the suspended female senator.

The investigation will be conducted by the Senator Neda Imasuen’s committee, while the alleged plan involves presenting Akpabio “officially innocent” of all allegations and suspending Senator Natasha for the entirety of the remaining part of her tenure.

Senator Ireti Kingibe’s recent statement supporting the investigation and Senator Onyekachi Nweboyin’s Channels TV interview are reportedly part of the orchestrated plan to perfect the suspension plot.

Nweboyin had revealed that both Akpabio and Natasha would eventually face an investigative panel.

“The plan currently being orchestrated is to suspend Senator Natasha till the end of the tenure. The report of the panel is currently being prepared and the panel is just to formalise the process.

“Akpabio will announce that he is stepping down for investigation to face the panel and after few hours, the panel will come up with a report that he is innocent and Senator Natasha will be suspended indefinitely till 2027 when her tenure ends. They want to send her away,” one of the top sources revealed.

This development comes on the heels of Senator Natasha’s petition to Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) against the Senate President.

SaharaReporters on Friday reported that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) is set to hear testimonies from Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over allegations of sexual harassment.

This was confirmed by the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday.

According to Nwebonyi, other senators who were present at the time of the alleged incident will also testify before the committee.

“All the parties involved would appear before the Committee, including the Senate President.

“He would come and testify, and his testimony would be recorded, likewise other senators,” Nwebonyi had stated.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had alleged that Akpabio sexually harassed her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023.

She claimed that during the visit, the Senate President held her hand, led her around his house, and made inappropriate advances towards her — even in the presence of her husband.

SaharaReporters had also reported that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, took a new turn as she filed a contempt application against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly disobeying a valid court order.

In Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is listed as the plaintiff, while the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem, are named as the first to fourth defendants and alleged contemnors.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu had previously granted an ex-parte order on March 4, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Egwuatu, in the ex-parte application supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit filed by Natasha’s legal team on March 3, 2025, and argued on March 4, specifically said “an order of this honourable court is made declaring that any action taken during the pendency of his Suit is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

Despite the existence of the court order, which was widely publicised, the Senate proceeded to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct.

The Senate also directed that her office be sealed and ordered her to hand over all Senate property in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly for the duration of the suspension.

The decision followed the adoption of a report by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South.

The committee initiated disciplinary proceedings after the February 20 incident between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.

In response to the Senate’s disregard for the court order, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyers, filed a Form 48 Notice of Disobedience of Court Order at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The application, brought under Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2004, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, serves as a notice of the consequences of disobedience to the court order issued on March 4, 2025.

The court document, dated March 7 and signed by the registrar, was obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday.
It reads, “TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, your wilful disobedience of the order of this Honourable Court, Coram: Hon. Justice O.A. Egwuatu J. made on 4th day of March 2025, renders you liable for contempt of court, for which you may be committed to prison unless you comply with the said order.

“TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that despite being duly served with the enrolled order on the 5th Day of March 2025, you, the Defendants/Contemnors, have deliberately and contumaciously disregarded its binding directive, proceeding with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of this Honourable Court. A copy of the said order is annexed hereto for ease of reference.”

Credit: SaharaReporters