By SUNTV Global Channel
August 18, 2026
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched an investigation into the pricing of cement in Nigeria following concerns over rising costs and possible anti-competitive practices in the market.
The commission said preliminary findings from a three-month investigation suggest there may have been manipulation of cement prices in Nigeria.
The investigation was prompted by widespread complaints from Nigerians over the rising cost of cement, which has significantly increased the cost of building homes and infrastructure across the country.
According to the FCCPC, a 50kg bag of cement that sold for between N9,300 and N9,700 in January 2026 was reportedly selling for between N10,500 and N13,000 by the middle of the year. By July, prices of between N13,000 and N15,000 were reported in some parts of the country.
The commission said the price situation was particularly concerning because Nigeria has significant limestone deposits and substantial domestic cement production capacity.
The FCCPC compared Nigeria’s cement prices with those in other countries, including Kenya and Tanzania.
In Kenya, where the population is considerably smaller than Nigeria’s, a bag of cement reportedly sold for about $5.40, equivalent to approximately N7,344.
In Tanzania, the reported price was about $4.80, or N6,528 per bag.
The commission also cited Togo, a country without significant limestone deposits, where a bag of cement reportedly sells for approximately $6.75, equivalent to N9,180.
The FCCPC said its investigation also found that Nigeria has installed cement production capacity of more than 60 million to 65 million metric tonnes annually, while domestic consumption is estimated at between 25 million and 30 million metric tonnes.
The commission noted that Nigeria is also a net exporter of cement to neighbouring countries.
Despite the reported excess production capacity, the FCCPC said cement prices in Nigeria had not fallen as might ordinarily be expected in a competitive market.
Industry players identified several factors they said were responsible for the high prices, including energy costs, the depreciation of the naira and its impact on imported machinery and spare parts, transportation and logistics expenses.
However, the commission said it was examining those explanations against verified information on production costs, pricing structures and prevailing market conditions.
The FCCPC said its preliminary findings were serious enough to justify continuing the investigation.
The commission is now examining whether the prevailing prices are genuinely driven by legitimate production and distribution costs or whether there is evidence of coordinated pricing, abuse of market power, restrictions on domestic supply or other anti-competitive practices prohibited under Nigerian law.
As part of the investigation, the FCCPC has issued Notices of Commencement of Investigation and Summons to Produce to key players in the cement industry.
The commission disclosed that all major cement manufacturers cooperated with the investigation by making their records available, with the exception of one company.
The outcome of the investigation could have major implications for cement manufacturers and millions of Nigerian consumers, particularly as rising building costs continue to make housing and construction projects increasingly expensive.
The FCCPC stressed that its findings are still preliminary and do not amount to a final determination of wrongdoing against any company.
The investigation remains ongoing as the commission works to determine whether cement prices are justified by legitimate market conditions or are the result of practices prohibited under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to bring you updates on the investigation and developments in Nigeria’s cement market.
