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Housing

Rising Cost of Cement Ignites Conversation on Viable Alternatives for Builders and Developers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The cost of cement has surged by over 200% from N3,300 per 50 kg bag in 2021 to N10,200 in June 2025, fueling concerns about housing affordability in Nigeria. Amidst the crisis, stakeholders are exploring alternatives, including bamboo, which has been used for construction in Asia, North America, and South America. Experts like Mobolaji Adeniyi, President of the Nigeria Institute of Architects, emphasize the need for local building materials and investing in research to reduce reliance on imports.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cost of cement has increased by over 200% from N3,300 per 50 kg bag in 2021 to N10,200 in June 2025, according to Daily Trust.
  • Bamboo is a versatile plant that can be used for construction, furniture, and paper production, with the ability to be harvested within 3-5 years, making it a sustainable resource.
  • Bamboo offers ecological benefits like soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat provision.
  • Promoting local manufacturing of building materials can help reduce importation costs and increase the availability of these materials.
  • Experts like Mobolaji Adeniyi and TPL Steve Onu advocate for investing in local materials, including bamboo, to enhance affordable housing.
  • Femi Oyedele cautions that bamboo may not be a complete alternative for cement due to its short lifespan and reaction to water in a tropical climate.
  • The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology sees bamboo as essential for climate-smart housing, with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) developing technologies to build affordable and durable houses using bamboo.

Statistics:

  • Cement prices increased by 200% from N3,300 per 50 kg bag in 2021 to N10,200 in June 2025.
  • Bamboo can be harvested within 3-5 years, making it a sustainable resource.
  • 16 houses could be built at N10 million each with the N160 million allocated for a legislator's car.
  • China has five bamboo research and development centers, with one founded in 1984 by the China Forestry Ministry and the Province of Zhejiang.

Sources:

  • Daily Trust
  • Mobolaji Adeniyi, President of the Nigeria Institute of Architects
  • TPL Steve Onu, Past president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners
  • Femi Oyedele, Real estate expert
  • Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
  • Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI)

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