Nigeria, July 7 -- A 50kg bag is currently selling between N12,500 and N15,000 in major cities, far above prices in countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Ghana, where cement is generally more affordable.

The News Chronicle reports that industry leaders blame the high cost to rising energy prices, expensive logistics, naira depreciation, inflation and the heavy reliance on imported machinery and production materials.

They also argue that transporting cement across the country accounts for a significant share of the final retail price, while strong demand from housing and infrastructure projects continues to support current market rates.

Nigeria's cement industry is led by Dangote Cement, BUA Cement and HBM Nigeria Plc, with ...