The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced an industry-wide investigation into the Nigerian cement market following preliminary findings suggesting possible manipulation of cement prices.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.
According to the FCCPC, the investigation followed a three-month cross-border study conducted by its Anticompetitive Practices Department (ACP), with preliminary findings contained in 40-page field reports indicating possible anti-competitive practices in the cement industry.
The probe was launched in response to widespread complaints over the rising cost of cement, a key commodity in Nigeria’s construction sector.
The commission said concerns were heightened by the relatively high price of cement in Nigeria despite the country’s abundant limestone deposits, significant domestic production capacity and reported surplus installed capacity relative to local consumption.
The FCCPC said all major cement manufacturers cooperated with the investigation by providing records required to establish the extent of the alleged price manipulation.
As part of the study, the commission examined cement markets in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria, considering factors such as limestone availability, population, production capacity and consumption.
It said a 50kg bag of cement sold for about $5.40 (N7,344) in Nairobi, Kenya, and $4.80 (N6,528) in Tanzania, while the price in Togo stood at about $6.75 (N9,180).
By comparison, the commission said its market intelligence showed that cement prices in Nigeria rose significantly during the first half of 2026.
A 50kg bag that sold for between N9,300 and N9,700 in January was reportedly selling for between N10,500 and N13,000 by mid-year, while prices in some parts of the country climbed to between N13,000 and N15,000 by July.
The FCCPC said it had issued Notices of Commencement of Investigation and Summons to Produce to key players in the cement industry.
The companies are expected to provide information on their pricing methods, production levels, capacity utilisation, exports and relevant commercial relationships.
Reacting to the development, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the investigation was necessary given the strategic importance of cement to the Nigerian economy.
Bello noted that the price of cement has a direct impact on housing costs, commercial property development, public infrastructure and the overall cost of doing business.
The commission said the investigation would help determine whether the pricing patterns in the cement industry are driven by legitimate market forces or anti-competitive practices.
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