One of the first questions anyone planning a greenhouse in Nigeria asks is: how much will it cost? The answer depends on three things: the structure type you choose, the size of the build, and your location. This guide breaks down each variable so you can arrive at a realistic budget before talking to any contractor.
All prices in this article are sourced from Nigerian markets and contractor quotes as of early 2026. Naira costs for imported materials have shifted significantly since 2024 due to exchange rate changes. We update this article every six months.
The three greenhouse structures used in Nigeria
Not every greenhouse type suits every plot or budget. The three structures most commonly built in Nigeria each have a different cost profile, lifespan, and level of climate control.
Option 1: Polytunnel
A polytunnel uses steel or galvanised iron hoops as the frame and UV-treated polyethylene film as the cladding. It is the cheapest structure to build and the most common entry point for Nigerian farmers. Materials are available locally in most states. A local welder with basic experience can fabricate the frame.
The main limitation is climate control. Polytunnels heat up quickly in the Nigerian afternoon sun. Proper ventilation - end-wall openings, roll-up sides, and shade net inserts - is not optional. It must be designed into the structure from the start, or crop losses follow.
Polyethylene film has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years before UV degradation requires replacement. Factor that cost into your long-term budget.
Option 2: Venlo-style multi-span greenhouse
A Venlo greenhouse uses a galvanised steel frame with polycarbonate twin-wall or single-layer panels as cladding. The gutter-connected multi-span design allows you to expand by adding more bays without rebuilding. Climate control is significantly better than a polytunnel because polycarbonate insulates and diffuses light more evenly.
This is the structure most suitable for year-round commercial production of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in Nigeria. The frame lasts 20 to 30 years. Polycarbonate panels last 10 to 15 years before they yellow and require replacement.
Option 3: Shade net house
Strictly speaking, a shade net house is not a greenhouse because it does not trap heat or exclude rain. However, it is widely used in Nigeria as a low-cost intermediate step between open-field farming and a full greenhouse. It reduces pest pressure, cuts direct sunlight intensity, and protects crops from heavy rain damage. For leafy vegetables and nursery production, it performs well at a fraction of the full greenhouse cost.
Cost breakdown by structure type
Polytunnel — 100 sqm build (10m x 10m)
| Item | Est. Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Steel hoops and frame fabrication | 55,000 |
| UV polyethylene film (200 micron, imported) | 38,000 |
| Shade net for ventilation inserts (50%) | 18,000 |
| Foundation work (concrete base strip) | 32,000 |
| Drip irrigation kit (basic) | 24,000 |
| Labour (welding, assembly, installation) | 45,000 |
| Miscellaneous fittings and fasteners | 12,000 |
| Total | ≈ ₦224,000 |
Per sqm cost: approximately ₦2,240. Prices vary by state and contractor.
Venlo-style greenhouse — 500 sqm build
| Item | Est. Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Galvanised steel frame (imported or local fabrication) | 480,000 |
| Polycarbonate twin-wall panels (8mm, imported) | 620,000 |
| Gutter system and drainage | 85,000 |
| Foundation (concrete perimeter and anchor bolts) | 145,000 |
| Roof vent openers and side ventilation panels | 95,000 |
| Drip irrigation system (full setup) | 120,000 |
| Labour (skilled installation team) | 230,000 |
| Electrical fittings, fans, and controls | 110,000 |
| Total | ≈ ₦1,885,000 |
Per sqm cost: approximately ₦3,770. Larger builds reduce the per-sqm cost.
Shade net house — 200 sqm build
| Item | Est. Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Steel pipe uprights and cross members | 42,000 |
| Shade net (50%, UV-treated) | 35,000 |
| Insect-proof side netting | 22,000 |
| Ground anchors and tension wires | 14,000 |
| Labour | 28,000 |
| Total | ≈ ₦141,000 |
Per sqm cost: approximately ₦705. The most affordable covered growing structure.
What drives costs up
Exchange rate on imported materials. Polyethylene film, polycarbonate panels, and drip irrigation fittings are all imported. Prices in naira move with the dollar exchange rate. Get multiple quotes from different suppliers before committing. Prices for the same product vary by 20 to 40% between suppliers in Lagos versus Kano.
Location. Labour rates in Lagos and Abuja are 30 to 50% higher than in Enugu, Ibadan, or smaller cities. Transporting materials to rural sites adds cost. If your site is more than 100 km from a major city, budget an additional 10 to 15% for logistics.
Site conditions. Rocky ground, waterlogged soil, or a sloped plot all increase foundation costs. A flat, well-drained site is cheapest to build on. If your plot has any of these challenges, the foundation line in your budget should increase by 30 to 50%.
Irrigation complexity. A basic overhead watering system costs far less than a properly designed drip fertigation setup. If you plan to grow tomatoes or cucumbers commercially, the drip system is not optional. It directly determines yield quality and water efficiency.
What to do before getting contractor quotes
Which structure fits which budget
What a ₦500,000 greenhouse can realistically earn
A 200 sqm polytunnel producing tomatoes in the dry season supplies roughly 2,000 to 3,000 kg per harvest cycle of 90 days. At 2026 Enugu market prices of ₦600 to ₦1,200 per kg depending on season, that is between ₦1.2 million and ₦3.6 million in gross revenue per cycle. Running costs including water, nutrients, pest management, and labour run between ₦180,000 and ₦280,000 per cycle for a structure that size.
The calculation changes significantly by crop, location, and market. Supplying a supermarket or hotel directly yields better prices than open market selling. A feasibility study before you build gives you these numbers for your specific situation rather than an industry average.
Need a detailed cost estimate for your plot?
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