An Appraisal of the Sources, Quantities and Prices of Imported Building Materials in Nigeria

The study ascertained the major source of a wide range of imported building materials in Nigeria, the proportion of imported materials in comparism with locally produced materials and the extent of price differentials between both types of materials. Three building materials, namely: cement, steel and tiles were the price focus while the major building materials markets in Lagos, Enugu, Rivers and Anambra states of Nigeria as well as price data from 2004 – 2011 formed the study target and scope. Field, market surveys and interviews were used to obtain sources, and prices. Insights received through the survey revealed that most building materials in Nigeria are sourced from China. Local building materials account for 37% of materials in the Nigerian market, imported materials is 23% and 40 % for both combined local and imported products. Price differences of up to 3% to 15% exist between local and imported materials. Recommendations advanced were that while taking steps such as supporting indigenous research, building infrastructure, devising policies and regulations to encourage the local manufacture of building materials and reduce importation, the Nigerian Government should also convince the Chinese government to invest in its building materials industry to reduce capital flight, create more employment and improve the living standard of Nigerians.