Professional Standard Reference
Quantitative Analysis and Resource Scheduling Framework
Adapted from Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 587: 2007 and NIQS SMRS-1 Guidelines.
Last Updated: January 2026 | Reviewed by RockAndSand Quantity Surveyors
The Nigerian Construction Context
The Nigerian construction industry is a complex environment where traditional building methods intersect with modern professional standards. For a startup enterprise focused on the supply of sandcrete blocks, bricks, and aggregates, the development of a precision-based material estimation tool is essential to bridge the gap between amateur builders and professional contractors. This requirement arises within a market characterized by high inflation, fluctuating material costs, and a significant housing deficit that drives informal construction activities.
The accurate quantification of materials is not merely an arithmetic exercise but a sophisticated application of quantity surveying principles tailored to local standards such as the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the professional guidelines set forth by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS).
How many blocks do I need for a 3-bedroom bungalow in Nigeria?
The primary building block of the Nigerian residential sector is the sandcrete block. The production and utilization of these units are governed by NIS 587: 2007. In the Nigerian context, the 225mm (9-inch) hollow block is the most prevalent for external walls in multi-story buildings, while the 150mm (6-inch) block is frequently utilized for internal partitions.
Standard Bungalow Benchmarks
- Small 1–2 Bedroom Flat 1,500 – 2,500 Blocks
- Standard 3-Bedroom Bungalow 3,000 – 4,000 Blocks
- Duplex / Storey Building 5,000 – 7,000+ Blocks
Calculating Cement Bags for 5000 Blocks
The quantification of cement required to lay blocks depends on the mortar volume per unit and the chosen mix ratio. A standard mortar joint in Nigerian construction is approximately 25 millimeters (1 inch) thick.
For a standard 1:6 mix ratio (one part cement to six parts sand), one bag of cement typically lays:
- 52 Blocks (9-inch hollow, Technical Standard)
- 70 Blocks (6-inch hollow, Efficient Laying)
Therefore, for 5,000 blocks, you would typically require roughly 96 to 100 bags of cement purely for laying.
2025 Construction Material Price Trends in Lagos and Abuja
The Nigerian construction sector in 2025 is defined by price volatility. Costs in Lagos are consistently higher than in Abuja or Port Harcourt due to logistics. Developers are advised to maintain a 20% contingency fund buffering against sudden price spikes.
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