The cement sector in Nigeria is on a trajectory to achieve a national output of 85 million metric tons per year.
This growth is largely attributed to the emergence of new market entrants and the ongoing expansion initiatives, particularly the addition of 6 million metric tons per year from Dangote Cement’s current plant project located in Itori, Ogun State.
This project encompasses the installation of two new production lines with a combined capacity of 6 million metric tons annually.
Currently, the Nigerian cement market is dominated by key players, including Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa, and BUA Cement, which collectively produce 60 million metric tons per year. Dangote Cement stands as the largest producer, operating with a capacity of 35.25 million metric tons across its four facilities.
Upon completion of the Itori cement plant, Dangote Cement’s total domestic production capacity is set to increase significantly to over 41 million metric tons per annum.
In recent developments, BUA Cement has expanded its operations to reach a production capacity of 20 million metric tons per year, while Lafarge Africa contributes an additional 10.5 million metric tons annually.
Moreover, two new entrants into the industry, MSM Cement and Resident Cement, are expected to enhance the market with a combined capacity of 13 million metric tons. MSM Cement has plans for a 3 million metric ton facility in Kebbi State, and Resident Cement is in the process of developing a larger 10 million metric ton facility in Bauchi State.
With these contributions from Dangote and other manufacturers, Nigeria is advancing significantly ahead of its counterparts in Africa in cement production.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has remarked that the investments made in cement manufacturing have enabled Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in cement production.
This achievement parallels progress in the fertilizer sector, with surplus production now contributing to export markets and generating critical foreign exchange for the nation.