Plastering, Tiling and Painting Costs in Nigeria 2026 — Labour Rates per m²

Finishing trades — plastering, tiling, and painting — are where your building starts to look like a home, and they are also some of the most argued-about labour costs on any Nigerian construction project. Rates are quoted per square metre, but what counts as a square metre, what is included in the rate, and how many m² your building actually has are all sources of confusion. This guide gives you accurate 2026 benchmarks and worked examples.

Plasterer Rates in Nigeria (2026)

Plastering rates are per m² of finished plastered surface. This includes wall plastering (both internal and external) and beam and column faces. Floor screeding is a separate item.

How Many m² of Plastering Does a 3-Bedroom Bungalow Have?

A standard 3-bedroom bungalow (approximately 130–150 m² floor area) has roughly the following plastered surface area:

• External wall faces (perimeter × wall height, minus door and window openings): 110–140 m²
• Internal wall faces (both sides, all internal walls): 360–480 m²
• Beam and column faces: 30–50 m²
• Total: approximately 500–670 m²

At the South East baseline of ₦800/m², this gives a labour total of ₦400,000–₦536,000. In Lagos at ₦1,040/m², the range is ₦520,000–₦696,800.

Net vs Gross Area: The Critical Difference

Ask your plasterer explicitly: are they quoting on net area (with door and window openings deducted) or gross area (no deductions)? Net area is the fair basis. A large bungalow might have 30 openings — at 2 m² per opening, that is 60 m² of area the plasterer did not actually plaster but may charge for on a gross-area basis.

POP (Plaster of Paris) Ceiling Rates (2026)

POP ceiling is a separate finishing item, quoted per m² of ceiling area. It is significantly more expensive per m² than wall plastering due to the skill, time, and materials involved.

Floor Tiler Rates in Nigeria (2026)

Floor tiling rates are per m² of finished tiled area and cover labour only — tiles, adhesive, grout, and spacers are separate material costs.

Wall Tiler Rates (Bathrooms and Kitchen Splash) (2026)

Wall tiling is more skill-intensive than floor tiling — especially around fixtures — and commands a higher per-m² rate.

A 3-bedroom bungalow with 3 bathrooms + kitchen typically has 60–90 m² of wall tiling. At South East rates, that is ₦132,000–₦198,000 in wall-tiling labour.

Painter Rates in Nigeria (2026)

Painting rates per m² cover one coat of primer plus two topcoats of emulsion (three-coat system). This is the standard for most Nigerian residential builds.

Key Questions to Settle Before Work Starts

For Plastering

• Single coat or scratch-and-finish two-coat? (Two coat adds 30–50% to the rate)
• Is external rendering included or a separate item?
• Are floor screed and DPC band included or separate?
• Who supplies the sharp sand and cement?

For Tiling

• Who supplies tiles, adhesive, spacers, and grout?
• What is the tile size? (Large-format tiles like 60×60 and 80×80 require more skill and typically attract a 10–20% premium)
• Is cutting around fittings and skirting included in the rate or charged as extra?
• Who disposes of tile cut-offs and waste?

For Painting

• How many coats? (Three-coat system — primer + 2 topcoats — should be the minimum)
• Who supplies paint? (If the painter supplies paint, ask for brand name and confirm coverage per litre)
• Is wood painting (doors, frames) included or separate?
• Is external painting included or a separate contract?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the plasterer and painter be the same person?

Sometimes — but not always. Plastering and painting require different skills and tools. Many plasterers in Nigeria also paint as a secondary skill, but a dedicated painter will typically produce a better finish on the paint side. For mid-range and above finishes, use separate tradespeople.

What is the correct mortar mix ratio for plastering?

1 part cement to 4–5 parts sharp sand for internal walls; 1:3 for external rendering where durability against rain is important. If the plasterer is using too little cement (weak mix), the plaster will crack and dust excessively within 1–2 years.

How do I know if my tiler is using enough adhesive?

After the job is complete, randomly check a few tiles by tapping — a hollow sound indicates inadequate adhesive coverage behind the tile. Tiles with hollow backing are likely to crack or lift over time.

Is POP ceiling better or worse than false ceiling boards?

POP is more durable and long-lasting in the Nigerian climate. False ceiling boards (gypsum or PVC) are faster to install but can sag with humidity and are harder to repair if damaged. For permanent residential builds, POP is generally the preferred choice.

Budget All Finishing Trades at Once

The Labour Cost Calculator covers plastering, POP ceiling, floor tiling, wall tiling, and painting as individual line items. Enter your m² quantities, select your state, and see the full finishing labour cost in seconds. Combine it with the full building estimator to include material costs alongside labour.