Level and compact bottom of excavation / formation: cost per m² in Nigeria
Net unit rate in Abuja, excluding overheads, profit and VAT
₦196per m²
Tender rate about ₦261 per m² with overheads, contingency, profit and VAT.
Price a BoQ with this rateAs at 15 October 2026, the net unit rate for level and compact bottom of excavation / formation is ₦196 per m² in Abuja: ₦0 materials, ₦115 labour and ₦80.90 plant. With overheads (7.5%), contingency (5%), profit (10%) and VAT (7.5%) the tender rate is about ₦261 per m².
Rate build-up (Abuja, Oct 2026)
| Resource type | Resource | Quantity per unit | Waste | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labour (hours) | Unskilled labourer | 0.1 h | - | ₦1,146 | ₦115 |
| Plant (days) | Plate compactor (petrol) | 0.003333 day | - | ₦24,273 | ₦80.90 |
| Materials | ₦0 | ||||
| Labour | ₦115 | ||||
| Plant | ₦80.90 | ||||
| Net unit rate per m² | ₦196 |
Rate by location
Materials, labour and plant are adjusted separately with Buildocrat's location factors.
| Location | Net rate per m² | Tender rate incl. OH&P and VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja (FCT) | ₦196 | ₦261 |
| Lagos | ₦209 | ₦279 |
| Port Harcourt | ₦196 | ₦262 |
| Ibadan | ₦169 | ₦225 |
| Osogbo (Osun) | ₦164 | ₦219 |
| Kano | ₦163 | ₦217 |
| Kaduna | ₦166 | ₦222 |
| Enugu | ₦171 | ₦228 |
| Benin City | ₦175 | ₦233 |
| Uyo | ₦181 | ₦241 |
| Jos | ₦168 | ₦224 |
| Riverine / creek site | ₦239 | ₦319 |
Related earthworks rates
- A01 Clear site of bush and shrubs, remove arisings₦172 per m²
- A14 Clear site by bulldozer incl. grubbing roots₦119 per m²
- A02 Excavate trench for strip foundation by hand, n.e. 1.5m deep, normal soil₦4,585 per m³
- A09 Excavate trench by backhoe, n.e. 1.5m deep, trim by hand₦5,277 per m³
- A03 Bulk excavation by machine n.e. 2m deep, deposit in spoil heap on site₦2,874 per m³
- A10 Excavate in rock using excavator-mounted breaker₦40,706 per m³
- A15 Load and cart away surplus spoil to tip n.e. 10km₦8,418 per m³
- A11 Keep excavations free of water - 3" pump incl. attendance₦26,656 per day
- A04 Backfill with selected excavated material, compacted in 150mm layers₦2,899 per m³
- A05 Imported laterite filling, compacted in 150mm layers₦12,309 per m³
- A13 Imported sand filling, compacted in 150mm layers₦9,402 per m³
- A06 Hardcore bed 150mm thick, blinded with stone dust, compacted₦4,123 per m²
- A07 Anti-termite treatment to formation₦717 per m²
- A08 1000g polythene DPM with 150mm laps₦390 per m²
Frequently asked questions
How much does level and compact bottom of excavation / formation cost per m² in Nigeria?
About ₦196 per m² net in Abuja as at 15 October 2026, or about ₦261 per m² as a tender rate including overheads, contingency, profit and VAT (Buildocrat Nigeria Construction Rate Book).
What is the rate in Lagos?
Applying Buildocrat's Lagos location factors, the net rate is about ₦209 per m² and the tender rate about ₦279 per m².
What does the rate include?
Materials (no materials) with waste allowances; labour (Unskilled labourer) at all-in rates including feeding, transport, idle time and statutory costs; and plant (Plate compactor (petrol)) including fuel and operator. Overheads, profit and VAT are excluded from the net rate.
How to cite: Buildocrat, Nigeria Construction Rate Book, https://rates.buildocrat.store/rates/a12-level-and-compact-bottom-of-excavation-formation/, prices as at 15 October 2026.