Many Nigerians are exploring the far less expensive option of securing container houses in the wake of economic hardships. Building with cement has always been the premium choice for Nigerians in the real estate sector, however, must go with cheaper alternatives, as the price of cement continues to rise exponentially. This affects the cost of rent and the chances of potential homeowners completing their projects on time. In a report by Vanguard Newspapers recently, the high price of cement has turned more Nigerians to building with containers as a growing trend. In that report, Mr. Folawe Adeniran, an auto dealer in Benin said he wanted to build a brick office on leased land but changed his mind due to the cost of cement, block, and sand. He said “It took me nothing less than N2 million to build a two room and toilet a few years back when I started my business.
Now I received a quotation of N4 million to do such on a lease land as I intend to build another branch for my business. The engineer told me that he had to cut costs to arrive at that figure which excludes workmanship. He cited the cost of cement and sand which is also affecting the price of blocks. I had to resort to building with containers. T
his building is made with containers and is heat free as people used to think building with containers attracts lots of heat. I spent less than N3 million to achieve this. If it were permanent land, I would still opt for container building. Many business owners whose businesses require building on leased lands and personal lands are now using containers to build. That is what the economy has turned everyone to. Business is not smiling because the economy is not. It is only a well-to-do man involved in fraud that will be comfortable with the way the economy is. Even when you build with bricks in those days it takes you a few years to recover what you spent on such a building if it is for commercial purposes. I pity the average Nigerian who has plans on building. What will they build.? God help us.”. Another Mr. Friday Badmus, a trader, said he just made a container apartment on his quarter plot land when his rent was due last year. It was a funny day when my landlord told me in November that he wanted to increase my rent of a two-bedroom flat to N800,000 from N600,000. I was so worried because the place I have land was not well occupied by people yet and was thinking about how to raise N800,000 and still foot my family bills with low sales in business.
I had made up my mind not to borrow but manage what I have to have peace of mind. My wife was the person who brought the idea of building a container apartment of a room and parlor. She brought her savings and I added mine and with support from family and friends we had our container building. You won’t even know it is built with a container if I don’t spill. Containers are now used to build houses in Nigeria, thanks to the advanced technology and production system. According to Blessing George, a construction engineer, “the construction costs range from N100,000 – N150,000 per square meter, depending on final specification and finishing. These containers are used for transportation and can be converted into comfortable apartments with standard interior finishes and designs”. He added “the area where cement is required is the concrete foundation to place the containers. These container houses are mostly used for commercial purposes and personal apartments. The high price of cement which is making people seek other building alternatives is pushing many to opt for the container houses.”
