Dangote Reveals Sh*cking Reason Cement Is Cheaper Abroad Than In Nigeria

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has attributed the higher cost of cement in Nigeria compared to foreign markets to heavy taxation and stringent regulatory demands.

Dangote explained that the price disparity is largely driven by the numerous levies and charges imposed on local manufacturers, which significantly inflate production costs within the country.

Speaking in an interview reported by Vanguard, the billionaire industrialist noted that exporting cement enables his company to bypass several taxes that would otherwise apply to domestic sales, making exports more competitive.

He said the combined impact of taxes, statutory fees and regulatory requirements in Nigeria substantially increases the final retail price of cement for local consumers.

“When you examine my invoices, the cement we export is cheaper than what we sell domestically because of how the export system works,” Dangote said. “In export, I save a lot of money—I don’t pay 30 per cent company income tax, 2 per cent education tax, 1 per cent health levy, 7.5 per cent VAT, or 10 per cent withholding tax.

“When these taxes are removed, I can compete effectively in the international market with producers from countries such as Turkey, Russia and China,” he added.

Dangote has repeatedly emphasized the importance of strengthening local manufacturing as a pathway to economic self-reliance and sustainable growth.