Recent developments in Nigeria’s cement industry have thrown light on significant disparities in pricing among major producers, raising concerns about market stability and consumer protection.
Initially, agreements were forged between federal authorities and industry giants like BUA, Dangote, Lafarge, and Ibeto, aiming to establish a pricing framework pegged at N7,000 to N8,000 per 50kg bag.
However, a comprehensive market analysis exposes glaring gaps between agreed-upon rates and actual retail prices:
- Dangote Cement Plc: Offering prices ranging from N7,000 to N8,500 per bag.
- Lafarge Africa Plc: Cement available within the N7,000 to N8,000 per bag bracket.
- BUA Cement: Retail prices fluctuating between N6,500 and N7,500 per bag.
- UNICEM Cement: Prices ranging from N6,000 to N7,000 per bag.
- Ibeto Cement: Retail prices hovering between N6,500 and N7,000 per bag.