How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Nigeria? (Step‑By‑Step Guide For 2025)

Building a house in Nigeria in 2025 requires careful planning and realistic budgeting. With material costs climbing, regional price differences, and required permits and fees, understanding each stage can help you avoid surprises and stay on track. This guide walks you through the process—from buying land and getting approvals to finishing touches—so you can build confidently.

Step 1: Land Acquisition & Legal Documentation

Land Costs: In major cities like Lagos and Abuja, plots can cost tens of millions, while rural areas may cost a fraction of that.
Permits and Fees: A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) alone can range from ₦500,000 to several million naira depending on the location and plot size. Real estate agent commissions typically add another 5–10% of the land’s price.

Step 2: Architectural, Engineering & Planning Fees

Architect and Engineer Fees: Expect to allocate roughly 10–15% of your total budget for design, planning, and supervision. Engineering services (structural, electrical, plumbing) may take another 20–25%.
Obtaining Approvals: Permit costs (site survey, town plan approvals) can range from ₦200,000 to ₦3,000,000 depending on state and project size.

Step 3: Foundations & Groundworks

Cost Range: Foundations could cost between ₦3,000,000 and ₦15,000,000 depending on soil type and house design.
Material Prices: Cement ranges from ₦10,000–₦10,500 per bag, iron rods up to ₦1.15 million per ton, while aggregates like sand and granite can cost ₦50,000–₦60,000 per tipper.

Step 4: Structural Walls & Roofing

Walls & Columns: Costs depend on block prices (₦180–₦300 per piece) and labor.
Roofing: Expect to spend between ₦2,000,000 and ₦6,000,000 depending on materials and design.
Regional Example: In a 3-bedroom bungalow, construction in Lagos can cost anywhere between ₦25M and ₦35M total, translating to ₦65,000–₦85,000 per square meter.

Step 5: Finishing (Finishing Touches Matter)

Finishing Costs: This includes plastering, painting, tiling, electrical, plumbing, and fixtures. Finishing alone can cost between ₦10,000,000 and ₦40,000,000—high-end materials and fittings sharply raise budgets.
Luxury Projects: For bigger homes (e.g., 5-bedroom duplexes, 250 m²), total build cost can range from ₦32M to ₦45M (excluding land).

Step 6: Miscellaneous & Post-Construction

Extra Costs: Include site preparation, contingency, and landscaping—typically ₦2,000,000 to ₦4,500,000. Furnishing, if DIY, may run into millions more depending on scope.

Real-World Insight

One builder commented recently:

“Depending on the location in Lagos, it can range from ‌₦15M to ₦60M.”

This underscores how dramatically costs can vary by design, materials, and region.

Summary Cost Table

Stage	Estimated Cost Range (₦)
Land & Legal	₦500,000 → ₦Millions +
Design & Permits	₦300,000 → ₦3M+
Foundation	₦3M → ₦15M
Structure (Walls + Roofing)	₦5M → ₦20M+
Finishing	₦10M → ₦40M+
Miscellaneous & Furnishings	₦2M → ₦5M+
Total	₦20M → ₦100M+ depending on size/location