ECONOMY
By SUCCESS BENEDICTH
A relentless surge in the cost of building materials has pushed construction expenses in Jos to record highs, forcing homeowners, developers and contractors to slow down or suspend projects across the city.
Cement, previously sold for between ₦9,500 and ₦10,000 earlier in the year, now goes for between ₦10,500 and ₦11,000 depending on location and distributor.
Iron rods have seen an even sharper rise, with 12mm rods jumping from ₦7,500–₦8,000 to between ₦10,000 and ₦11,500, placing builders under growing financial strain.
“Transport-dependent materials such as sharp sand and granite have also soared due to rising fuel and logistics costs, as a truck of sharp sand that once cost ₦15,000–₦25,000 now sells for ₦45,000–₦50,000, while granite prices have climbed in similar proportion,” lamented Mrs Jennifer Attah, who is currently building her house at Rantya, Low-Cost, Jos.
“Roofing sheets, tiles, plumbing fittings and electrical wiring components have likewise recorded steep increases, impacting both residential and commercial developments,” decried Mr Sabi, a building contractor based in Jos.
Contractors in Agingi, Basa Road, Rayfield, Hwolshe, Kufang and Rantya report that many clients have halted construction entirely, unable to absorb the sudden rise in material prices. Some have scaled down their building plans, while others have postponed projects indefinitely.
Mr Samuel Chat, a resident of Agingi, noted the growing number of uncompleted buildings scattered across the area.
“There are many abandoned and unfinished buildings in the area as residents can no longer afford the rising cost of construction,” he said.
Mrs Favour Anunna, who is currently supervising her building project, explained that the price surge has slowed her progress significantly.
“When I started, a bag of cement sold for ₦7,000, sand for ₦15,000 per truck, and bricks for ₦200 each. Now, a bag of cement costs ₦12,000, sand is ₦45,000, and bricks go for ₦600 each. I am waiting for prices to drop before I can continue my project,” she said.
Another resident and developer, Moses Petter of Agingi, Rukuba Road, revealed he is considering selling his unfinished building due to the soaring costs.
“I cannot keep up with these prices anymore. I am seriously thinking of selling the building and cutting my losses,” he lamented.
With the price of building materials continuing to rise, Jos faces a construction slowdown that threatens housing development and urban expansion.
Homeowners and developers remain trapped in a financial squeeze, leaving the city at a critical crossroads in its push for affordable and sustainable housing.