Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says preliminary findings from its investigation into Nigeria’s cement industry indicate possible manipulation of prices in the market.
Gatekeepers News reports that the commission disclosed this on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, following a three-month cross-border investigation conducted by its Anticompetitive Practices Department (ACP). The findings were contained in a 40-page field report compiled in response to complaints over the rising cost of cement.
FCCPC said its concerns were heightened by the fact that cement prices in Nigeria have continued to rise despite the country’s substantial limestone deposits, significant production capacity and reported excess capacity.
According to the commission, Nigeria has an installed cement production capacity estimated at between 60 million and 65 million metric tonnes annually, while domestic consumption is estimated at about 25 million to 30 million tonnes. Nigeria is also a net exporter of cement to neighbouring countries.
The commission said its market intelligence showed that the price of a 50kg bag of cement increased from between N9,300 and N9,700 in January 2026 to between N10,500 and N13,000 by the middle of the year. By July, prices had reached between N13,000 and N15,000 in some parts of the country.
As part of the investigation, the FCCPC compared Nigeria’s cement market with those of Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo. The study considered factors including limestone availability, population, production capacity, domestic consumption and retail prices.
The commission found that cement was selling for less in some of the countries studied. In Kenya, a 50kg bag reportedly sold for about $5.40, equivalent to N7,344, while Tanzania recorded about $4.80, or N6,528. In Togo, where the commission said there are no limestone deposits, the price was about $6.75, equivalent to N9,180.
FCCPC said all major cement manufacturers cooperated with its investigation by providing access to their records, except one company. It has now commenced a further investigation to determine whether the prevailing prices can be justified by legitimate costs and market conditions.
The next phase will examine possible coordinated conduct, abuse of market power, restrictions on domestic supply, anti-competitive distribution practices and other conduct prohibited under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
The commission said the investigation is aimed at determining whether Nigeria’s cement market is operating competitively and whether consumers are being protected from practices that could unfairly drive up prices.
