Nigeria’s housing sector is emerging as a major source of employment, with more than 1,900 workers engaged during the excavation phase of a housing project in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, disclosed this during an inspection of the National Housing Programme (NHP) estate and the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory.

Darma said the construction industry was making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth while providing employment opportunities for citizens.

According to the minister, more than 1,900 people were employed during the initial excavation phase of the project, which involves the construction of 110 blocks of two-bedroom flats.

He described the housing industry as an important sector for employment generation and said this was one of the reasons the Federal Government was promoting increased housing construction across the country.

“The housing industry is really a very, very important industry to employ Nigerians. And that’s why we are promoting the industry,” Darma said.

The minister explained that the number of people employed on the project was expected to increase as construction moved into additional stages.

He said further work would require more personnel for building activities, machinery operations, general labour and concrete mixing, among other construction activities.

“Now you can begin to talk about the building work, the machinery work, the labourers, the mixing and others in the construction process,” he said.

FG targets more housing delivery

Darma also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering more housing units across Nigeria before the end of the year.

He said the ministry remained confident that it would exceed President Bola Tinubu’s target of delivering 100,000 housing units to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure.

“We will surpass what Mr President promised, that 100,000 units of housing will be delivered to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure,” the minister said.

“We are moved to do it and we are going to do it,” he added.

The minister said the housing programme was part of wider government efforts to increase access to affordable housing while also using construction activity to stimulate employment and economic activity.

250-unit civil service estate targeted for completion

Darma further disclosed that the 250-unit Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, was expected to be completed within six months.

He said the ministry would closely monitor contractors working on the project to ensure that they comply with agreed timelines and deliver the development within the specified period.

“Yes, it’s still possible. That’s why I asked the engineer on site to give me the work plan for each contractor,” he said.

According to the minister, each contractor was expected to submit an individual work plan early the following week.

The work plans would enable the ministry to monitor the progress of the different components of the project and measure performance against agreed milestones.

Darma said the ministry would continue to monitor the development closely and take the necessary steps to ensure that the six-month completion target was achieved.

The housing minister’s inspection comes as the Federal Government continues to use housing construction as part of its broader efforts to expand housing supply, support economic activity and create employment opportunities through the construction value chain.

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FG Sets Six-Week Deadline for Actionable Housing Reform Blueprint

The Federal Government has given a 14-member ministerial committee six weeks to develop a practical implementation strategy for wide-ranging reforms in Nigeria’s housing and built-environment sector.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and directed its members to convert recommendations from housing stakeholders into measurable actions.

The panel is officially known as the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation Framework for the Validated Stakeholder Resolutions on Housing Sector Reforms.

Its members were drawn from technical departments of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and relevant housing agencies.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, was appointed chairman of the committee.

Under its terms of reference, the panel is expected to coordinate the implementation of approved reform measures and develop a detailed work plan identifying priorities, timelines, responsibilities and expected results.

The committee will also monitor progress and ensure that agencies or departments assigned specific responsibilities complete them within the approved timeframe.

Darma explained that the reform recommendations emerged from an earlier stakeholders’ validation conference, where participants examined housing data and proposed measures for repositioning the sector.

The recommendations have been divided into three categories: measures the ministry can implement immediately, proposals requiring approval from the Presidential Council and reforms that will require legislative action.

According to the minister, the government’s responsibility extends beyond the direct construction of houses. It must also create an enabling environment in which individuals, developers, investors and financial institutions can increase housing supply.

Darma identified stronger regulation as an important requirement for improving standards and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s built environment.

He cited 2025 data indicating that the sector contributes approximately 17 per cent to the Nigerian economy, compared with between 22 and 27 per cent in countries such as South Africa and Kenya.

The minister expressed confidence that better policies, improved regulation and coordinated implementation could help the Nigerian housing sector increase its contribution to national economic growth.

He urged the committee to approach its assignment with urgency and produce a workable strategy within the six-week deadline.

Responding on behalf of the panel, Belgore said the committee had received a working document that would be reviewed to identify gaps and strengthen the proposed implementation framework.

He said the committee would focus on immediate interventions while preparing reforms requiring consideration by the Federal Executive Council or the National Assembly.

Belgore added that further consultations would be held with stakeholders to build broad support and ensure that the reforms reflected the needs of professionals, developers, financiers, artisans and other participants in the housing industry.

Standardising professional practices and improving coordination among engineers, architects, builders, artisans and other construction workers will also form part of the reform process.

Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Usman Osidi, welcomed the initiative but warned that sustained stakeholder engagement would be critical to its success.

Osidi recalled that previous efforts to amend the National Housing Fund and FMBN Acts, as well as a proposed ₦500 billion recapitalisation of the mortgage bank, encountered stakeholder resistance.

He advised the committee to apply lessons from those experiences and ensure that affected groups were properly consulted before major changes were implemented.

The Federal Housing Authority also pledged its cooperation with the committee and expressed confidence that the reforms could improve housing delivery across the country.

While the inauguration represents another step towards reforming the sector, the initiative’s success will depend on whether the committee’s recommendations are implemented, funded and supported by the necessary executive and legislative approvals.

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Housing Ministry Gives Reform Committee Six Weeks to Develop Action Plan

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 14-member ministerial committee to develop an implementation framework for reforms in Nigeria’s housing and built-environment sector.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and directed its members to submit a practical implementation strategy within six weeks.

The committee is chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore. Its membership includes officials from relevant housing agencies and the ministry’s technical departments.

The committee was established following a stakeholder validation conference convened to examine national housing-deficit data and determine policy priorities for transforming the sector.

Its responsibilities include coordinating the implementation of the validated reforms and developing a detailed work plan containing priority actions, timelines and measurable deliverables.

Members are also expected to monitor progress and ensure that responsibilities assigned to the ministry, its agencies and other institutions are completed within the approved timelines.

Darma explained that the recommendations adopted at the stakeholder conference had been divided into three categories.

The first category covers reforms that the housing ministry can implement immediately through administrative action. The second consists of measures requiring consideration and approval by the Presidential Council, while the third covers proposals that require legislation.

The classification is expected to help the ministry determine the appropriate implementation route for each recommendation and reduce delays associated with institutional approvals.

According to the minister, the government’s responsibility is either to provide homes directly or establish an enabling environment in which Nigerians can build, rent or purchase suitable accommodation.

He also called for stronger regulation of the built environment to improve professional standards, protect consumers and increase the sector’s contribution to national development.

Citing 2025 data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Darma said housing and the broader built-environment sector contributed about 17 per cent to Nigeria’s economy.

He compared the figure with contributions ranging between 22 and 27 per cent in countries such as South Africa and Kenya, arguing that appropriate reforms could help Nigeria close the gap.

The minister said an efficient housing industry could contribute more substantially to economic growth through construction activity, job creation, local building-material production, mortgage expansion and real estate investment.

He urged the committee to treat its assignment with urgency and produce an implementation plan capable of translating stakeholder recommendations into measurable outcomes.

The development comes as the government faces growing calls to address high construction costs, difficult access to land, limited mortgage finance, weak regulation and the shortage of affordable homes.

The committee’s effectiveness will depend on whether its recommendations lead to clear policy decisions, enforceable standards and coordinated action among the ministry, housing agencies, financial institutions and private developers.

Its report is also expected to indicate which reforms can be implemented quickly and which will require executive or legislative intervention.

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Building Materials Now Account for Up to 75% of Construction Costs — Experts

Industry stakeholders have warned that the escalating cost of building materials is making homeownership increasingly difficult and contributing to higher rents and abandoned construction projects across Nigeria.

Professor Bolaji Wahab, a former chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building, said materials now represent between 65 and 75 per cent of the total cost of delivering a building project.

Wahab attributed the increases to Nigeria’s dependence on imported materials and inputs, foreign-exchange pressures, expensive energy, poor roads, high transportation costs, multiple taxes, insecurity and commercial lending rates reportedly reaching 26.5 per cent.

Building engineer Adekunle Balogun said a 50-kilogramme bag of cement, which sold for between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000 in 2020, now costs approximately ₦12,500 to ₦15,000, depending on the location.

He added that the price of a tonne of 12mm reinforcement steel had risen from about ₦250,000 to between ₦800,000 and ₦950,000. Blocks, roofing sheets, timber and nails have also recorded significant increases.

Stakeholders said the rising costs were forcing private builders to suspend projects while developers reduced the scale of planned developments. The resulting pressure on housing supply has also contributed to rent increases in major cities.

Wahab urged the government to support domestic manufacturing through single-digit financing, tax incentives, improved electricity supply and better transport infrastructure.

He also recommended increased investment in research, technical education and nationally recognised certification for construction artisans.

Greater local production of cement, steel, tiles, roofing materials and fittings, stakeholders argued, would reduce exposure to foreign-exchange fluctuations and make housing delivery more affordable.

Source: The Sun Nigeria.

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The rising price of cement is putting more pressure on Nigeria’s housing market as construction costs increase and homeownership becomes harder for many Nigerians.

The price of a 50kg bag of Dangote Cement has reportedly climbed above N15,000 in some locations. The development comes while the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission investigates pricing in the cement industry.

Construction professionals have called for urgent action to improve supply, increase competition and ensure greater transparency in cement pricing.

Experts Raise Concern Over Housing Costs

Amusan Oluseyi, Principal Partner at Space Button Architecture Limited, said the recent price increases were difficult to explain given Nigeria’s large limestone deposits and cement production capacity.

He said Nigeria has an estimated cement production capacity of between 60 million and 65 million metric tonnes each year. Domestic consumption, however, stands at about 25 million to 30 million metric tonnes.

Amusan urged the FCCPC to take steps that would protect Nigerians who want to build their own homes.

He also warned that cement price volatility was affecting more than construction budgets. According to him, higher cement costs are raising the cost and value of housing while putting additional pressure on rents.

The architect also called for greater use of alternative building materials. He said the government could support research and commercial production of construction methods that rely less on cement.

He cited laterite-based materials, including Latcrete blocks developed by Nigerian architect and artist Demas Nwoko, as one possible alternative.

Supply Shortage Drives Recent Spike

Soji Adeniji, Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Engineering and Construction Group, offered a different view of the latest price increase.

Adeniji said the market was facing a temporary shortage rather than a new official price from cement manufacturers.

He linked the shortage to recent maintenance work at a Dangote Cement plant and access restrictions affecting some material depots.

According to him, these challenges reduced the quantity of cement available to distributors. The limited supply then allowed some players in the distribution chain to raise prices.

Adeniji expects prices to ease once more cement reaches the market.

He also said he had not received an official notice from Dangote Cement announcing a new price. He therefore argued that the current prices in some locations should not automatically be treated as an official manufacturer price increase.

Energy and Logistics Add to Costs

John Agbezin, Public Relations Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, identified several factors that affect cement prices.

These include energy costs, foreign exchange movements, transportation, insecurity and multiple taxes.

Agbezin said manufacturers rely on diesel and gas to operate their plants. Rising energy costs therefore increase production expenses.

Foreign exchange pressures also affect the sector. Some imported inputs, including diesel additives and coal, are priced in foreign currency and add to manufacturers’ costs.

Transportation creates another challenge. Poor roads and insecurity can force truck drivers to take longer routes to avoid unsafe areas.

Agbezin said longer journeys can add significant costs to the final price of a bag of cement.

Infrastructure Projects Increase Demand

Agbezin also pointed to strong demand from major infrastructure projects.

He said large projects can absorb substantial quantities of cement. Suppliers may therefore struggle to meet demand from smaller construction projects and individual developers when supplies become tight.

The situation could create additional pressure for Nigerians building homes, especially those working with limited budgets.

For developers, sudden changes in cement prices can also make project planning more difficult. Higher material costs may affect construction timelines, development budgets and the final price of properties.

Calls for More Competition

Agbezin urged the FCCPC to complete its investigation into the cement industry and publish its findings.

He also called for action against cartels if the investigation establishes evidence of anti-competitive practices.

Greater transparency across the supply chain is another priority. Agbezin said manufacturers and distributors should provide clearer information about factory, wholesale and retail prices.

He also called for more competition in the cement industry. In addition to Dangote Cement, BUA and Lafarge, he said Nigeria should encourage more investment and production capacity.

More competition could give buyers greater choice and reduce the risk of supply disruptions affecting prices.

Impact on Nigeria’s Housing Crisis

The cement market matters directly to Nigeria’s housing sector because cement remains an important construction material.

When cement prices rise sharply, developers and individuals face higher building costs. Developers may pass some of these costs to buyers through higher property prices.

Higher construction costs can also affect rental housing. When it becomes more expensive to develop new properties, landlords and developers may seek higher returns to recover their investment.

The latest price surge has therefore added another challenge to Nigeria’s housing affordability problem.

While some industry operators believe the current increase may result from temporary supply shortages, sustained price volatility could make it harder for households to plan and finance home construction.

Greater supply, stronger competition, transparent pricing and lower production and logistics costs could help bring more stability to the market.

For Nigeria’s housing sector, a more predictable cement market would provide greater certainty for developers, contractors and prospective homeowners.

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The Nigerian Institution of Building (NIOB) has warned that quacks pose a serious threat to building safety in Nigeria.

The NIOB President, Mr Daniel Kolade, spoke on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the institution’s 56th annual conference in Abuja.

The conference focused on “Repositioning the Building Profession, Advocacy and Policy Influence in Housing Delivery for a Sustainable Built Environment.”

NIOB Calls for Action Against Quacks

Kolade said the conference gave builders from across Nigeria a chance to discuss key challenges in the building sector.

He said the discussions also examined ways to improve housing delivery through better policies and stronger professional practice.

According to Kolade, government, professionals and the public must work together to tackle quackery in the construction industry.

He called on the Federal Government to give full legal backing to the National Building Code.

Some states have already adopted the code. However, Kolade said stronger federal action remains necessary.

He said better enforcement would help improve compliance with building standards and reduce the risk of building collapse.

NIOB Wants Prevention of Building Collapse

Kolade also raised concerns about the repeated cases of building collapse across Nigeria.

He questioned whether government action after a building collapse has stopped the problem from happening again.

The NIOB president said authorities should focus more on preventing building failures.

He also called for stricter enforcement of approved construction standards.

Building collapse remains a major concern for Nigeria’s housing sector. Such incidents can lead to deaths, property losses and higher costs for affected families and investors.

Public Urged to Hire Qualified Professionals

Kolade urged professionals in the built environment to perform their duties with care.

He also warned Nigerians against giving professional construction work to unqualified people.

He described a quack as a person who claims to handle almost every part of a building project without the required training or certification.

Such work may include preparing building designs, construction and maintenance.

Kolade advised property owners to check the qualifications of people they hire for building projects.

He said Nigerians should not sacrifice safety in an attempt to reduce construction costs.

The NIOB president encouraged property owners to engage qualified builders, architects, engineers and other relevant professionals.

Professional Standards Key to Safer Housing

Kolade said professional involvement at every stage of construction can help reduce construction risks.

Qualified professionals can help identify poor workmanship, design problems and failures to meet building regulations.

This issue is important as Nigeria works to increase housing supply.

The country needs more homes, but new housing must also meet safety and quality standards.

Poor construction practices can increase risks for homeowners, tenants, developers and investors.

NIOB Supports Renewed Hope Housing

Kolade said the NIOB remains ready to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

He specifically mentioned the Renewed Hope Housing projects across the country.

However, he called for policies that would increase the role of qualified professionals in government housing programmes.

He said professional input would help ensure that housing projects meet required standards.

Kolade also welcomed the position presented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

Akume chaired the opening ceremony of the NIOB conference.

Kolade said the NIOB would continue to work with the government and other stakeholders to improve the building industry.

He also said the institution would support efforts to promote sustainable housing delivery.

NIOB Says Quacks Have No Hiding Place

Kolade said the NIOB would intensify efforts to identify unqualified practitioners in the industry.

He urged professionals to challenge practices that put building safety at risk.

“My message for them is that they should just know that their time is over. There is no more hiding place for those quacks within the industry,” he said.

The statement reflects the institution’s growing focus on professional standards and accountability within the building sector.

Jos North Chairman Calls for Compliance

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government, Plateau, Mr John Christopher, called for strict compliance with approved building standards.

Christopher said quality housing remains important to human life.

He urged young professionals to embrace new ideas while keeping safety and quality at the centre of their work.

He also called for stronger compliance with approved building designs and specifications.

According to him, the rising cases of building collapse make such action necessary.

Christopher further urged the Federal Government to give greater attention to housing development and affordable shelter.

Housing remains one of the basic needs of Nigerians.

The NIOB’s warning highlights a major challenge for Nigeria’s housing and construction sectors. Increasing the supply of homes must go hand in hand with strong regulation and professional practice.

Better enforcement of building standards can help protect lives, property and investment while supporting safer housing delivery across the country.

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The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has urged construction professionals to take a more active role in shaping government policies on housing and building development.

The institute said stronger professional input could help Nigeria address its housing challenges while improving building quality and safety. It also called for closer cooperation between government and professionals across the built environment.

The NIOB President, Abimbola Daniel Kolade, made the call ahead of the institute’s 56th Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.

NIOB seeks stronger housing policies

Kolade said builders and other professionals should contribute more to national discussions on housing delivery. He identified affordable housing, building quality and the enforcement of construction standards as key areas requiring greater attention.

He also called for policies that support sustainable infrastructure and better training and certification for construction workers.

According to the NIOB president, government agencies, professionals, private companies and other stakeholders need to work together to improve housing delivery.

The institute said stronger collaboration could help address some of the problems affecting construction and housing development across the country.

Building standards remain a priority

Building regulation remains an important part of housing delivery because construction standards affect the safety, durability and quality of homes and other structures.

The NIOB’s position also places professional training and certification at the centre of efforts to improve construction standards. Better skills among workers can support improved building practices and help professionals meet required standards.

The institute said policy decisions should therefore reflect the practical experience of professionals who work directly within the construction sector.

Conference to examine industry challenges

The 3rd Vice President of NIOB and Chairman of its Marketing and Corporate Affairs Committee, Dr Adeshina Aladeloba, said preparations for the institute’s conference had been completed.

He said the Abuja event would bring together builders, policymakers, government officials, corporate organisations and other industry stakeholders.

The participants are expected to examine challenges affecting the construction industry and discuss possible solutions.

The conference will also provide an opportunity for professionals to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders on issues affecting housing and construction.

Built environment professionals urged to collaborate

NIOB National Publicity Secretary, Usenobong Emmanuel Atangaedi, said progress in the built environment would require cooperation among different professional groups.

He identified architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, estate surveyors and valuers, and town planners as part of the wider group that must contribute to solving industry challenges.

The call reflects the interconnected nature of housing development. A housing project depends not only on builders but also on planning, design, valuation, infrastructure, financing and effective regulation.

Implications for housing development

The institute’s position comes at a time when housing affordability and construction quality remain important issues for Nigeria’s built environment.

Housing policy affects how homes are planned, financed and delivered. Building standards also influence construction costs, project timelines and the long-term performance of buildings.

Greater professional participation in policymaking could help bridge the gap between government policy and conditions on construction sites. It could also support better coordination between public agencies, developers and professionals.

The NIOB’s call for stronger standards, improved training and wider professional participation therefore extends beyond the construction industry. It touches on the quality, safety and affordability of housing and the broader development of Nigeria’s urban areas.

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on cement manufacturers to urgently reduce the price of cement, warning that the rising cost is putting Nigeria’s infrastructure development projects under serious strain.

Umahi made the demand in Lagos during the unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge Africa Plc, which has now been rebranded as HBM Nigeria Plc following its acquisition by China’s Huaxin Building Materials Group.

The minister said the continuous increase in cement prices is already affecting the execution of federal road and bridge projects nationwide, with contractors increasingly pushing for upward reviews of existing contracts.

‘Reduce Cement Prices Now’ – Umahi Tells Manufacturers

Addressing industry stakeholders, investors, and government officials, Umahi insisted that cement producers must play a more active role in supporting national development by ensuring affordability.

“I want to insist that Lafarge, now HBM, and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices,” the minister said.

He warned that the Federal Government would begin formal engagements with cement manufacturers from July 1 to address pricing concerns and safeguard ongoing infrastructure projects.

According to him, the cement industry is benefiting significantly from government-led infrastructure expansion and must reciprocate by ensuring fair pricing.

Government Moves to Stabilise Construction Costs

Umahi explained that escalating cement costs are increasing project execution risks and placing additional financial pressure on contractors handling public works across the country.

He added that the planned engagement with manufacturers will focus on achieving a balance between industry profitability and national infrastructure needs.

Lafarge Rebrands as HBM Nigeria Plc

At the same event, the company formerly known as Lafarge Africa Plc officially unveiled its new identity as HBM Nigeria Plc, marking a new phase following its acquisition by Huaxin Building Materials Group.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the rebranding reflects a new corporate direction while maintaining operational stability.

“HBM Nigeria Plc represents an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading building solutions company. While our corporate identity is evolving, our values remain the same,” he said.

He assured stakeholders that the transition would not affect operations, workforce, or customer relationships, noting that the process would be implemented in phases across the company’s facilities nationwide.

Company Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria

Chairman of HBM Nigeria Plc, Gbenga Oyebode, also reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s economic development, describing the transition as a strategic step for sustainable growth.

He expressed confidence that the new identity would strengthen investor confidence, enhance stakeholder trust, and support long-term value creation.

Industry Presence and Capacity

The unveiling ceremony attracted top government officials, state representatives, traditional rulers, and industry leaders.

HBM Nigeria Plc remains one of the country’s largest cement producers, with operations across Ogun, Gombe, and Cross River States, as well as ready-mix facilities in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The company has an installed capacity of 10.5 million metric tonnes per annum.

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Nigeria’s housing and construction sector continues to face mounting pressure as the prices of building materials rise sharply, driven by inflation, exchange rate volatility, multiple taxation, high transportation costs and increasing production expenses.

A review of market prices shows that key construction materials, including cement, sand, stones and tiles, have recorded significant increases over the past year, with some products rising by more than 60 per cent and others nearly doubling in price.

A 50kg bag of cement, which sold for between N8,500 and N10,000 in 2025, now costs as much as N13,000 in several parts of the country, depending on location and supply conditions.

Similarly, the cost of sharp sand has risen dramatically from between N40,000 and N80,000 per tipper in 2025 to between N170,000 and N350,000, reflecting higher fuel, extraction and transportation costs.

The price of local stones has also climbed sharply, increasing from about N180,000 per tonne in 2025 to as much as N350,000 in some markets, further raising the cost of structural construction projects.

Finishing materials have not been exempt from the trend. A carton of locally manufactured tiles that previously sold for between N4,500 and N6,000 now costs between N7,500 and N8,500. Imported tiles have witnessed even steeper increases due to foreign exchange fluctuations, customs duties and rising import costs.

However, a few products have recorded slight reductions. Some paint manufacturers have marginally lowered prices due to weak demand from homeowners who have postponed renovation and repainting projects. A 20-litre container of emulsion paint, which previously sold for N18,000, now sells for about N17,200, while gloss paint has declined slightly from N20,000 to N19,900.

The persistent rise in building material costs has slowed housing development activities across the country, increased project delivery costs and forced many developers to delay or suspend construction projects.

Manufacturers of cement-based products, including roofing sheets, ceiling boards, paving stones and other concrete products, have also adjusted prices upward in response to rising input costs.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 15.69 per cent in April 2026 from 15.38 per cent in March, highlighting continued pressure on production, logistics and distribution costs within the construction value chain.

Industry stakeholders have warned that unless inflation moderates, exchange rate stability improves and local production capacity expands, construction costs are likely to remain elevated, further worsening the nation’s housing deficit.

A landlord, Mr. Stanley Nnabuike, attributed the rising prices to foreign exchange instability and increasing operational costs.

“The exchange rate is not stable, and the high cost of fuel has increased the cost of building materials because companies use fuel to power production equipment. Labour costs have also gone up significantly,” he said.

He added that suppliers who purchased materials at higher costs are unable to lower prices without incurring losses.

A quantity surveyor and construction cost expert, Goodman Etiowo, blamed the situation on structural challenges within the building materials industry, particularly limited competition in cement production and Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported materials.

According to him, increased competition among manufacturers would help reduce construction costs and improve affordability.

Etiowo also noted that imported products such as tiles, sanitary wares and POP fittings remain vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations, which continue to push up prices.

Architect Kingsley Chilaka said rising material costs reflect broader weaknesses in Nigeria’s construction supply chain, including high import duties, production expenses and inadequate market regulation.

“Most of these companies are heavily taxed, including on imported building materials during the clearing process. By the time they incur such costs in production and importation, the burden is transferred to the end-users,” he said.

Chilaka also criticised the absence of effective price regulation, arguing that manufacturers and suppliers largely determine market prices without adequate monitoring mechanisms.

“There is no proper regulation. Different companies fix prices on their own and there is no effective monitoring system to stabilise the market,” he added.

Stakeholders warn that without targeted interventions to stabilise inflation, strengthen local manufacturing and address regulatory bottlenecks, the rising cost of building materials could further constrain housing delivery and deepen affordability challenges for millions of Nigerians.

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Lagos State’s growing housing crisis is being driven not only by inflation and rising construction costs but also by a complex web of permits, levies and regulatory charges that developers say are making housing increasingly expensive and inaccessible.

As Nigeria’s commercial capital continues to attract thousands of new residents annually, demand for accommodation has far outpaced supply. Estimates place Lagos’ housing deficit at about 3.4 million units, while rising inflation has significantly increased the cost of cement, iron rods, labour and other building materials.

However, industry stakeholders argue that beyond market forces, regulatory costs have become a major contributor to the affordability challenge.

Data from Lagos State’s budget performance reveals that agencies responsible for planning approvals and building regulation generate revenues that rival or exceed government spending on housing. In 2024, planning and building-related agencies were assigned revenue targets of about N151 billion, compared to the N55.92 billion budgeted for housing development.

Reports further indicate that Lagos generated approximately N80 billion from building approval fees between January and May 2025 alone, highlighting the scale of revenue derived from the approval process.

Developers say securing approval for construction projects involves navigating multiple agencies, paying various fees and complying with numerous regulatory requirements before a single block is laid.

Lagos-based developer, Olaoluwa Awolaja, described the process as lengthy and costly, noting that obtaining planning approval is only the beginning.

“Once you submit your drawings, that is where the real journey starts. You must secure approvals, structural certifications, inspections and stage certifications before construction can progress smoothly,” he said.

According to him, developers are often required to obtain environmental clearances, fire service approvals, survey verifications and title documentation, depending on the size and nature of the project.

Another developer, Bukola Ojo, recounted how a simple renovation project became delayed for months after officials demanded additional documentation and levy payments during construction.

She said the interruption increased project costs and created uncertainty, forcing contractors to leave the site while awaiting further approvals.

Industry stakeholders estimate that regulatory compliance alone can account for between 15 and 25 per cent of total project costs before construction expenses are considered.

The burden is ultimately transferred to buyers and tenants.

Across Lagos, residents continue to grapple with rising rents as landlords and developers adjust prices to reflect increasing development costs.

A tenant in Idimu, Blessing Adebayo, said her one-bedroom apartment rent increased from N450,000 to N1.5 million within two years, reflecting the growing pressure on housing affordability.

Experts say approval delays further worsen the situation by extending project timelines and increasing financing costs.

Sources familiar with the approval process disclosed that administrative restructuring and digitisation efforts have created a backlog, with some applications reportedly awaiting final approval for up to three months.

Real estate professionals argue that the combination of multiple levies, duplicated regulatory functions and prolonged approval timelines is discouraging investment in housing delivery.

The General Secretary of the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State (AREDOLS), Ahmad Sanni, noted that developers face numerous charges, including planning fees, stage certification fees, emergency management levies, waste management charges and other statutory payments.

Similarly, President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Akintoye Adeoye, criticised what he described as excessive approval requirements and high regulatory costs.

Legal experts have also raised concerns over overlapping charges imposed by different agencies, warning that some fees appear to cover similar regulatory functions under different names.

Stakeholders are now calling for comprehensive reforms, including a one-stop approval platform, consolidation of overlapping levies, transparent fee structures and full digitisation of permit processing.

They argue that simplifying the approval system would reduce delays, lower development costs and encourage greater investment in affordable housing.

With Lagos continuing to experience rapid urbanisation, experts warn that addressing regulatory bottlenecks may be essential to improving housing supply, stabilising rents and making home ownership more attainable for millions of residents.

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