Moulders increase block prices by between 11% and over 30%

The new price regime for blocks is expected to come into effect immediately after the moulders call off their 5-day strike today. They went on strike following the recent increase in the prices of cement from N1,500 to between N2,400 and N2,500.

The moulders suspended operation the previous day to protest the latest increase in the prices of cement, granite and other construction materials, with a hint of their plan to raise the prices of blocks unless the prices of cement and other moulding materials were reversed.


Yesterday, the President, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Rasco Adebowale, said with the new price regime, the 6x9x18 load-bearing blocks would sell for N220 per unit, up from N160.


The 9x9x18 load-bearing blocks will sell for N250 per unit, up from N220, while the 6x9x18 and 9x9x18 non-load bearing blocks will sell for N200 and N180, up from N180 and N160 per unit, respectively.


A professor of Building at the University of Lagos and the Vice-Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Martin Dada, said the challenge is that there is no assurance that the blocks will retain quality.

He said the rise in the prices of cement and its ripple effects on the housing sector in particular, and the economy in general, would increase cases of building collapse in the country.


Also, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Mr. Tunde Lasabi, said the affordability aspect of housing in the country might no longer be possible with current developments.