The high cost of cement is gradually igniting conversations about viable alternatives for builders and developers in the construction sector.
Cement forms a critical component in building construction from foundation to roofing.
However, the high cost of cement has been a source of concern for many Nigerians in their quest to build decent houses for themselves.
Checks by Daily Trust show that cement prices increased by over 200 per cent from N3,300 per 50 kg bag in 2021 to a record high of N10,200 in June 2025.
The increase is due to a combination of factors, including rising production costs, currency fluctuations and high demand.
Also, the floating of the naira against the dollar has increased the cost of imported materials used in cement production.
Against this backdrop, stakeholders are beginning to raise awareness on the need for alternatives to cement, one of which is Bamboo.
Bamboo has been a model for building in some parts of the world, although its adoption in Nigeria is very slow
The adoption of the plant for building is common in Asia, North America, South America and some African countries
About bamboo
Checks by Daily Trust show that bamboo is a versatile plant that can be used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture and paper production.
It is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested within 3–5 years, making it a sustainable resource for Nigeria and grows well on various land types, including degraded and marginal lands, making it suitable for Nigeria.
The plant also offers ecological benefits like soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat provision.
What stakeholders are saying
The President of the Nigeria Institute of Architects, Mobolaji Adeniyi, stated that the rising cost of building materials is a significant challenge that limits affordable housing and infrastructural development in Nigeria.
She noted that research and investing in local building materials is critical, as well as reviving the Building Research and Development Agency, which could be a game-changer.
She further noted that alternatives like bamboo could also serve as a way to boost affordable housing.
“By making the agency more relevant to industry needs and attracting investment, Nigeria can boost the mass production of building materials. To tackle this, we need to focus on increasing the availability and use of local materials; relying on imported materials increases costs due to foreign exchange volatility. “Promoting and encouraging local manufacturing of building materials will help to reduce importation costs and increase the availability of these materials.
“Also, promoting indigenous materials such as bamboo, compressed earth blocks, and locally sourced stones would help reduce reliance on imports and cut costs,” she said.
Adeniyi added that in terms of promoting local materials, architects are exploring partnerships with local manufacturers to encourage the use of Nigerian-made materials, thereby reducing costs associated with imports.
Also speaking on the issue, a past president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, TPL Steve Onu, noted that “A lot can be done locally to enhance affordable housing, but Nigeria is more interested in politicising it.
Citing an instance, he noted that “One sixty million naira given to a legislator to buy a car could have provided 16 houses at 10 million each when there are more pressing needs in the country”.
He said bamboo, if well researched by the Ministry of Science and Technology and Housing, can proffer valuable solutions to affordable housing.
However, a real estate expert, Femi Oyedele, warned that the idea of bamboo being an alternative for cement may not work if it is not well researched.
He said “Bamboo cannot be completely used as a walling material, but as a roof structure member, floor tiles and ceiling materials after processing. Bamboo house goes against the psychology of housing.
“It will not be popular due to ‘stigma’ because of short lifespan compared to sandcrete and mud brick walls. Bamboo reacts in water and Nigeria, being a tropical country, cannot use it.
“China has about five different bamboo research and development centres. There is one in Zhejiang Province, founded in 1984 by the China Forestry Ministry and the Province of Zhejiang. When we had our bamboo technology training in the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan at Chaoyang, Beijing, China, in 2016, the building where we had our training was completely built of bamboo. The wall, floor, doors, windows, ceilings and furniture, and furnishings were made of processed, treated and finished bamboo. But they are expensive! They are also the result of long years of research.
“Subsequently, bamboo houses as affordable housing are not sustainable. At best, they are used as demonstration and temporary accommodation,” he said.
Bamboo vital for climate smart housing – FG
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, has said that Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) technologies will build affordable and durable houses for Nigerians using bamboo.
Mrs. Esuabana, who was represented by the Director, Environmental Science Technology (EST), Mrs. Benadette Oguche, made the statement recently at a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop on the Relevance of Bamboo for Climate-Smart Housing Construction: Integrating Nigerian Building Road Research Institute (NBRRI) Technologies in Reducing Carbon Foot.
According to the permanent secretary, “ Bamboo is a versatile plant used for a wide range of purposes, including construction, reduction in carbon emission, traditional medicine, paper production, food and various purposes as well as a sustainable resource in a long history of use in building materials.
Esuabana explained that by adopting these construction materials, Nigeria will not only promote environmental sustainability but also ensure that the construction process aligns with principles of adaptability, comfort and affordability for both low and medium income earners in the country.
