The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says a three-month industry-wide investigation has uncovered indications of possible price manipulation and other anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s cement market.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.
The investigation was conducted by the FCCPC’s Anticompetitive Practices Department (ACP) following widespread complaints over the rising price of cement, a key input in Nigeria’s construction sector.
According to the commission, preliminary findings contained in 40-page field reports point to possible anti-competitive practices within the industry.
The FCCPC said the investigation was prompted by concerns over the comparatively high cost of cement in Nigeria despite the country’s abundant limestone deposits, substantial domestic production capacity and reported surplus installed capacity relative to local consumption.
The commission said all major cement manufacturers cooperated with the investigation by providing records and other information required to examine the concerns surrounding possible price manipulation.
As part of the exercise, the FCCPC conducted a cross-border assessment of cement markets in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria.
The review considered factors including limestone availability, population, production capacity and domestic consumption in the countries studied.
The commission said its findings showed that a 50kg bag of cement sold for about $5.40 (N7,344) in Nairobi, Kenya, and $4.80 (N6,528) in Tanzania, while the corresponding price in Togo was about $6.75 (N9,180).
In contrast, market intelligence reviewed by the FCCPC showed that cement prices in Nigeria rose substantially during the first half of 2026.
The commission said a 50kg bag sold for between N9,300 and N9,700 in January but had risen to between N10,500 and N13,000 by the middle of the year. Prices in some parts of the country reportedly reached between N13,000 and N15,000 by July.
The FCCPC said it had subsequently issued Notices of Commencement of Investigation and Summons to Produce to key operators in the cement industry.
The affected companies are expected to submit information relating to their pricing methods, production volumes, capacity utilisation, exports and relevant commercial relationships, according to the commission.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the investigation was necessary because of the strategic importance of cement to Nigeria’s economy.
Bello said cement prices have a direct impact on the cost of housing, commercial property development and public infrastructure, as well as the broader cost of doing business.
The commission said the investigation is ongoing and that its preliminary findings should not be interpreted as a final determination of wrongdoing against any company or industry participant.
