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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Fresh concerns have emerged over Nigeria’s recurring building collapse crisis, with industry experts warning that failures in design, construction, and supervision continue to put lives and investments at risk.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has attributed the persistent problem to a mix of technical lapses and human decisions across different stages of construction.

Speaking in Lagos during a professional event, the institute’s president, Aminu Bashir, said building collapse cannot be traced to a single cause, stressing that responsibility often cuts across multiple actors involved in a project.

He explained that while some structures may begin with sound architectural and engineering designs, compromises during execution frequently undermine the integrity of such projects. According to him, professionals handling construction sometimes cut corners, a practice that significantly increases the risk of structural failure.

Bashir noted that in some cases, projects are initiated without proper input from qualified engineers, while others suffer from poor professional advice or weak adherence to approved plans. He warned that even a well-designed building could fail if standards are ignored during implementation.

The NIQS president also pointed to regulatory gaps, stating that oversight failures remain a critical part of the problem. He said authorities responsible for monitoring construction activities often fail to carry out proper inspections before approving progression from one stage of work to another.

According to him, the consequences of these lapses are evident in the growing number of building failures recorded across the country, many of which have resulted in casualties, financial losses, and public anxiety.

He emphasised that tackling the crisis requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including designers, contractors, regulators, and project supervisors. From planning and procurement to execution and monitoring, he said every stage must be handled with strict professionalism to ensure safety.

Bashir added that the institute is considering engagement with Bola Tinubu as part of broader efforts to align construction practices with national development priorities.

He noted that effective cost management and professional oversight would play a key role in delivering infrastructure projects under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Industry observers say the latest warning reinforces growing calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and greater accountability within Nigeria’s construction sector.

With urban development accelerating across major cities, experts maintain that failure to address systemic weaknesses could lead to more structural disasters, further eroding public confidence in the country’s regulatory framework.

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The rising cost of public projects in Nigeria has come under renewed scrutiny as industry experts and policymakers call for institutional reforms to strengthen cost control mechanisms across government agencies.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has urged the Federal Government to mandate the engagement of certified quantity surveyors in procurement and contract management processes to ensure transparency, accountability, and cost efficiency.

Speaking in Abuja, NIQS President Aminu Bashir emphasised that quantity surveyors are equipped with the technical expertise required to manage construction costs and prevent financial leakages in infrastructure delivery.

He made the call during the naming of the institute’s secretariat building in honour of former president Olusegun Ajanlekoko, describing him as a distinguished professional whose contributions have shaped cost management practices in Nigeria’s construction industry.

Former Cross River State governor Donald Duke reinforced the call for reform, advocating the establishment of dedicated cost control units within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to oversee project budgeting and execution.

Duke noted that effective cost management remains critical to reducing waste in public spending, citing the Tinapa Resort project where professional cost oversight reportedly saved about N3 billion during its development.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Family Homes Fund Limited Demola Adebise stressed that the role of quantity surveyors has become increasingly vital in ensuring value delivery, particularly in large-scale housing and infrastructure projects.

He observed that sustainable project delivery at scale cannot be achieved without strong built environment professionals, describing quantity surveyors as central to maintaining financial discipline in construction processes.

In his remarks, Ajanlekoko called for the consistent deployment of registered professionals in both public and private sector projects, stressing that adherence to professional standards is essential to achieving value for money.

He urged practitioners to uphold integrity, discipline, and excellence, noting that leadership in the profession must be anchored on service, character, and long-term value creation rather than personal recognition.

Ajanlekoko described the naming of the Abuja secretariat building in his honour as a humbling experience, highlighting the importance of legacy and sustained professional impact in the built environment sector.

Stakeholders at the event expressed concern that weak institutional frameworks and the absence of structured cost control systems in many MDAs have contributed significantly to inflated project costs nationwide.

They warned that without deliberate reforms, Nigeria may continue to experience inefficiencies in public project delivery, undermining infrastructure development and economic growth.

The call for reform comes amid increasing pressure on government finances, with experts stressing that improved cost management practices could help optimise limited resources and enhance project outcomes.

Analysts believe that integrating quantity surveyors into the core decision-making processes of MDAs would not only curb excessive spending but also restore confidence in public procurement systems.

They further noted that strengthening professional oversight in construction projects is essential to addressing long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and ensuring sustainable development.

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has emphasized the need for enhanced advocacy and strategic collaboration among stakeholders to promote a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable built environment in Nigeria.

Aminu Bashir, President of NIQS, made the call during the institute’s 6th National Executive Council and Chapter Chairmen Retreat in Abuja, themed “From Intention to Structure, From Structure to Delivery.” He noted that the retreat forms part of NIQS’s broader commitment to strengthening professionalism, institutional capacity, and leadership effectiveness.

Bashir stressed that visionary and purposeful leadership is essential for advancing both the institute and the quantity surveying profession. The retreat aimed to equip newly elected council members with strategic skills to effectively deliver on the institute’s mandate.

Delivering the keynote address, former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Waziri Adio, urged NIQS to embrace data-driven decision-making. Speaking on “Leadership and Relevance in the Data Age,” Adio highlighted that professional bodies must leverage data and evidence to set priorities, shape policies, and engage stakeholders.

“Data is power—it is the new gold. Relying solely on instinct, authority, or experience is no longer sufficient for effective leadership,” Adio said. He recommended the adoption of Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) to validate decisions and enhance organisational credibility.

Drawing from his NEITI experience, Adio cited how empirical data analysis contributed to legislative reforms and informed policy debates, including VAT revenue sharing. He urged NIQS to commission regular studies to strengthen its authority, thought leadership, and impact within the construction and built environment sector.

Adio also highlighted the importance of prioritization, advising the NIQS leadership to focus on a “signature intervention” that defines its legacy. Inclusive consultation with members and stakeholders, he noted, builds trust, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

He cautioned against misusing data, emphasizing ethical standards, robust methodology, and quality information. “Good data enhances credibility; dodgy data undermines it,” he said. He encouraged NIQS to invest in data literacy and cultivate a culture of evidence-based decision-making to maintain relevance and effectiveness in Nigeria’s construction industry.

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has called for enhanced advocacy and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote a resilient and sustainable built environment, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s widening housing deficit.

Speaking at the institute’s 6th National Executive Council and Chapter Chairmen Retreat, themed “From Intention to Structure, From Structure to Delivery,” NIQS President Aminu Bashir emphasised the importance of visionary leadership in driving effective housing solutions and institutional capacity in the built environment sector.

Bashir highlighted that purposeful leadership is key to translating strategy into tangible results that benefit members, the profession, and the public. He noted that projects to close the housing gap must integrate planning, regulation, and collaboration with state and federal authorities.

Delivering the keynote address, Waziri Adio, former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), urged NIQS to adopt a data-driven culture, describing it as essential for relevance, credibility, and sustainable decision-making. “In today’s world, data is power. Evidence-based advocacy ensures that interventions in housing and infrastructure are effective, targeted, and impactful,” he said.

Adio stressed that embracing Data-Driven Decision-Making (DDDM) allows professional bodies to validate strategies before implementation, create public value, and influence policies that strengthen urban planning and housing delivery. He called on NIQS to commission regular studies and deploy data to support practical solutions for urban challenges, including the Lagos housing deficit and other emerging urban centres.

The retreat also encouraged members to identify signature interventions that define their legacy, emphasising inclusive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and continuous consultation as tools for delivering sustainable housing and infrastructural outcomes.

Housing experts welcomed the move, noting that strengthening collaboration among developers, quantity surveyors, and government agencies can accelerate the delivery of quality housing while aligning with urban planning and environmental standards.

NIQS’s initiative aligns with broader efforts to leverage professional expertise, technology, and policy to reduce housing shortages, ensure safety in urban development, and create livable cities for Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.

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Nigeria’s housing and built environment sectors are under renewed scrutiny as industry leaders call for stricter regulation, professional oversight, and innovative solutions to the nation’s housing deficit.

Speaking on the growing incidence of fraudulent developers, Akintoye Adeoye, President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), said tackling unethical practices requires a multi-faceted approach, including enforcement of ethics, the establishment of the Real Estate Regulatory Council of Nigeria (RECON), and collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to protect investments.

Adeoye highlighted key challenges confronting private developers, including bureaucratic bottlenecks in land administration, indiscriminate demolitions, high financing costs, lack of long-term mortgage options, poor infrastructure, and over-reliance on imported building materials. He urged the government to streamline land titling, recapitalize the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and support local building materials production to make homeownership more accessible.

Meanwhile, Lagos residents continue to grapple with soaring rents, with increases of 80–100 percent reported across the city. Despite this, some neighborhoods remain relatively affordable. According to Daily Trust, areas such as Ikorodu, Agege, Alagbado, Egbeda, Ikotun/Igando, Ojo, Mushin, and Ajegunle offer housing options suitable for low- and middle-income earners, though accessibility and safety remain considerations for residents. Real estate expert Ganiyu Idris advised renters to prioritize proximity to workplaces to minimize commuting costs.

In addition, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has warned against unlicensed practitioners in the built environment. Outgoing President Mobolaji Adeniyi and incoming President Sani Saulawa emphasized that unregistered individuals compromise structural integrity and public safety. Adeniyi noted that architecture contributes about 6% of Nigeria’s GDP, approximately N6.17 trillion annually, while Saulawa stressed that investigations into building collapses rarely involve certified architects. The institute plans to strengthen public awareness, enforce professional ethics, and improve regulatory oversight.

The call for reforms comes as Nigeria seeks to expand housing stock, promote affordable homeownership, and ensure sustainable urban development. Experts argue that integrated efforts involving government, professional associations, and the private sector are critical to addressing the country’s housing crisis.

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has entered a new leadership era as Dr. Aminu Bashir was formally installed as the 28th President of the institute, promising sweeping reforms to enhance professionalism, strengthen institutional capacity and elevate the role of quantity surveyors in Nigeria’s infrastructure and construction ecosystem.

Speaking during his investiture in Abuja, Bashir outlined a bold reform agenda centred on advocacy, digital transformation, capacity building, youth development and long-awaited institutional restructuring.

Advocacy, Visibility and Government Engagement

Bashir said the new National Executive Council (NEC) would prioritise a coordinated national advocacy programme targeting government MDAs, regulators and major private-sector players.
The goal, he explained, is to improve NIQS visibility, unlock consultancy opportunities for members and increase the institute’s participation in procurement processes across key industries.

Capacity Building and Sector-Specific Training

To boost technical competence and workforce readiness, the NEC will introduce advanced training programmes covering MEP/HVAC systems, highways and rail construction, marine engineering, and oil and gas infrastructure.
The council will also sign MoUs with specialist firms to secure internship placements for young quantity surveyors.

New Revenue Streams Through Real Estate Investment

Bashir announced that, following a resolution of the NIQS AGM, the institute will begin investing in real estate assets to build long-term financial sustainability.
“We shall increase our asset base by investing in landed properties and viable projects in locations with appreciable value,” he said.

NIQS Secretariat Revamp and Digitalisation

A comprehensive overhaul of the NIQS secretariat is another key priority.
Planned reforms include a full operational audit, recruitment into vacant roles, digitisation of processes, a unified member portal and a new policy-consultation platform.
The secretariat will also migrate to solar power to reduce recurrent costs.

Constitution Review and Inclusive Leadership

In a bid to modernise governance, Bashir announced the creation of a Constitution Review Consultative Committee (CRCC), with representation from all geopolitical zones.
The committee will collate member feedback on reforms aimed at strengthening corporate governance and aligning NIQS operations with global standards.

Strategic Plan Upgrade and Rebranding

Bashir said the NEC would finalise the review of the NIQS strategic action plan and update all corporate documents.
He also pledged to intensify the NIQS rebranding agenda to rebuild public trust and enhance the profession’s visibility.

Completion of NIQS Cost Data Bank

Describing it as a crucial national tool, Bashir reaffirmed the council’s commitment to completing the NIQS Cost Data Bank to enhance cost planning, budgeting and the monitoring of national capital projects.

Boosting Professional Skills Through Digital Training

Working with the Quantity Surveyors Academy, NIQS plans to scale up training in digital cost management, data analytics, sustainability, carbon assessment, green buildings and energy audits.

New Award for Top Graduating Students

To attract more talent into the profession, the institute will introduce the NIQS President’s Award for Best Graduating Quantity Surveying Students across tertiary institutions in all six geopolitical zones.

International Collaboration and Export of QS Expertise

Bashir also outlined plans to negotiate new reciprocity agreements with international professional bodies, noting that exporting Nigerian QS expertise would boost foreign exchange earnings and global visibility.

Kano Government Reacts

The Kano State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, praised Bashir’s emergence as the first Kano indigene to lead the NIQS, describing it as a “historic and heartwarming milestone.”

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has reiterated its firm stance against unethical behaviour within the profession, declaring that any member found guilty of misconduct will face strict disciplinary action.

During a press conference ahead of the institute’s 31st Biennial General Meeting and National Conference in Abuja, NIQS President, Kene Nzekwe, said the body remains committed to safeguarding the integrity, credibility, and public trust associated with quantity surveying.

Nzekwe revealed that several cases of misconduct are already under investigation, stressing that the institute will not hesitate to sanction offenders once due process confirms wrongdoing.

According to him, erring members will be removed from the NIQS register and reported to the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN)—the statutory body empowered to issue or withdraw licences.

“We do not compromise on ethics. Anyone found guilty of infractions will be sanctioned and reported to QSRBN for appropriate action,” he said.

He emphasized that the institute’s Ethics and Practice Committee thoroughly reviews allegations to ensure accountability and uphold high professional standards.

Nzekwe also highlighted that the forthcoming conference themed “Rebuilding Nigeria: Enhancing National Development Through Fiscal Reforms, Infrastructure Planning, and the New Governance Imperative” aligns with the ongoing federal reforms designed to strengthen transparency and stimulate economic growth.

He encouraged professionals and stakeholders to adopt digital systems, embrace standardized processes, and support reforms that promote efficiency and attract investment to the construction and infrastructure sectors.

NIQS Deputy President, Dr. Aminu Bashir, added that the institute remains committed to fostering dialogue that enhances infrastructure delivery and national development.

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to introduce clear policy guidelines to address the rising cost of house rent across major cities, especially Abuja.

NIQS President, QS Kene C. Nzekwe, made the appeal at a press conference held in Abuja as part of activities marking the 31st Biennial General Meeting and National Conference of the Institute.

Nzekwe said the persistent surge in rental prices is worsening the housing affordability crisis, stressing that only the government has the authority to set a policy direction that will protect citizens from exploitative rental demands.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to demand five million naira for a two-bedroom apartment in Abuja,” he said. “We are calling on policymakers and legislators to enact laws that regulate rent demands and ensure fairness in the housing market.”

The NIQS President also encouraged industry players across the construction and built environment sectors to embrace digital technologies and adopt standardised practices to enhance transparency and operational efficiency. According to him, such improvements will strengthen professionalism and attract more private sector investment into the housing and construction industries.

Speaking on professional ethics, Nzekwe warned against quackery and the growing trend of individuals taking on roles outside their areas of competence. He said the Institute will sanction members involved in unqualified practices, adding that improper handling of construction cost management poses significant risks to project delivery and public safety.

He appealed to the media to support the Institute’s efforts in curbing professional encroachment and promoting the value of properly trained construction professionals.

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has raised concerns over what it described as widespread corruption within Nigeria’s housing and financial sectors, warning that the menace is crippling the country’s mortgage system and making homeownership increasingly difficult for citizens.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos as part of the Institute’s golden jubilee celebration, NIQS General Secretary, Azeez Ayodabo, urged the Federal Government to review existing mortgage policies to make access more flexible and income-based.

“The government should adjust mortgage thresholds according to income categories. It’s unrealistic to advertise a three-bedroom maisonette for a level six or seven civil servant. Housing schemes should be structured in categories—bungalows, flats, terraces, and duplexes—to match citizens’ earnings,” Ayodabo said.

He lamented that corruption and lack of transparency have weakened the system. According to him, many developers who accessed government loans between 2006 and 2009 failed to deliver affordable homes despite receiving public funds.

“Corruption has eroded the mortgage system. Some exploited connections to access loans meant for the public and diverted funds, forcing the government to take direct control of the process,” he added.

Ayodabo also stressed the vital role of quantity surveyors in ensuring cost efficiency and project integrity.

“Quantity surveyors should be involved throughout projects, not just in preparing the Bill of Quantities. Their oversight prevents cost overruns, material substitution, and poor workmanship,” he explained.

Lagos Chapter Chairman, Rilwan Balogun, called for broader inclusion of quantity surveyors in national infrastructure projects, noting that their expertise is critical to transparency and value for money.

“Engaging QS consortiums early in projects like the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway could have prevented inflated costs and opacity,” he stated.

Balogun added that government should mandate the submission of properly prepared Bills of Quantities for all building approvals to reduce cases of abandoned and substandard projects.

Also speaking, NIQS Deputy Chairman, Femi Falusi, highlighted the encroachment of non-professionals into the QS field due to technology misuse.

He called for policies that make it mandatory for all cost estimates and Bills of Quantities to be prepared and stamped by registered quantity surveyors, adding that the Institute continues to encourage members to embrace digital tools and innovation to remain competitive.

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