By: Adekunle Victoria
photo credit : Pinterest
Many Nigerians are complaining about the recent increase in the price of cement. The cost of 100 bags of cement reportedly rose from ₦380,000 in May 2023 to ₦1.25 million in August 2026, representing an approximately 229% increase in price.
When a 50kg bag of cement was sold for about ₦5,000, how many average Nigerians could comfortably afford it? What about now, when the price has increased to between ₦13,000 and ₦15,000?
Does this mean that the average Nigerian can no longer build, buy or own a house? No, I don’t think so. The increase in the price of building materials is a serious challenge, but I do not believe it means Nigerians must stop building or that Nigeria must become stagnant.
But even before the recent increase, we should ask ourselves some important questions: How many houses had you actually built? How many had you bought? How many do you currently own?
If the price of cement was significantly lower five or ten years ago, did that automatically mean that everyone was building or buying houses? Not necessarily.
Therefore, perhaps the question should not only be about how much cement costs today. We should also ask ourselves what we have done with the opportunities, resources and circumstances available to us in the past.
Even in difficult economic seasons, people continue to succeed. Nigerians are still building houses, buying properties, starting businesses and completing major projects despite the increasing cost of materials.
What Kind of House Do You Want to Build, Buy, and Own?
Perhaps we also need to ask ourselves: What kind of house do I actually want to build, buy, or own?
Do I want to build a mansion, a skyscraper, a duplex, or simply a comfortable home that meets my family’s needs?
Sometimes, the challenge is not only the increase in the price of materials but also the expectations we place on ourselves about what we must build before we consider ourselves successful.
Not everyone has to start with a mansion. A house can be built gradually, according to one’s capacity and resources.
Some people may not even see themselves as capable of building a house. Before focusing entirely on how expensive cement has become, perhaps we should first develop the mindset that it is possible to build and own a home and then consider how to achieve it.
Building and owning a home involves more than the price of cement. It requires planning, financial capacity, knowledge, discipline and, in many cases, years of gradual investment.
What Role Does the Government Have?
However, the responsibility should not rest entirely on individuals
What role does the government have in all of this? What will the government do to ease the burden on average Nigerians? How will it support the citizens who voted for it?
While individuals must learn to adapt to changing economic realities, the government also has a responsibility to create an environment where people can live, build and prosper.
This includes addressing factors that contribute to high production and transportation costs, encouraging fair competition in the cement industry, supporting local production and protecting consumers from unfair market practices.
The question is therefore not only, “How can the average Nigerian survive the rising cost of cement?” but also, “What is the government doing to make life more affordable for the people?”
Or are we saying that Nigeria is going to remain stagnant because the prices of building materials are increasing?
I don’t believe so.
The rising cost of cement is a serious challenge, but it does not mean that development must stop. Nigerians are still building, businesses are still expanding, and major projects are still being completed.
Understanding the System
Everything may not work the same way for everyone, but those who understand how to navigate changing circumstances can find opportunities even in challenging seasons.
You may be curious to ask me, “How does the system work?” My answer is simple:Study. Meditate. Pray.
Study the economy. Understand the market. Learn how money works. Understand opportunities. Make informed decisions. Plan according to your capacity and start with what you can afford. You don’t have to build everything at once.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God
Knowledge matters. A person who understands what is happening around them is better positioned to make informed decisions. Therefore, Nigerians must continue to learn, develop themselves, identify opportunities and adapt to changing circumstances.
And above all, prayer should not be left out of anyone’s life. Be prayerful. Seek God’s direction as you make decisions about your finances, business, career and future.
The fact that cement was cheaper in the past did not automatically make home ownership easy for everyone. Likewise, the fact that it is more expensive today does not mean that everyone must give up on the dream of owning a home.
A difficult economic season does not have to mean the end of progress.Nigeria must not become stagnant, and Nigerians must not give up on their dreams of building, owning and succeeding.
The responsibility belongs to both the government and the people: the government must create a fairer and more enabling environment, while citizens must learn, adapt, plan wisely and take advantage of opportunities.
Perhaps the answer is not simply to ask, “How expensive is cement?”
Perhaps we should also ask:
“How can I position myself to build with what I have, make wise decisions and make progress?”
And my answer remains:
Study. Meditate. Pray
