Developer Urges Strict Building Standards as Housing Demand Rises

Tobi Adebayo
10 Min Read
Developer Urges Strict Building Standards as Housing Demand Rises

Property developer Messrs Alexander Limited has called for stronger compliance with building regulations and construction standards as Nigeria seeks to expand housing supply while addressing concerns over building safety.

The Lagos-based firm said effective supervision throughout the construction process was critical to preventing structural defects and protecting the value of residential properties for both homeowners and investors.

The company made the position known during an inspection tour of the 21-storey 16 Alexander residential development in Ikoyi, Lagos. Representing the Executive Chairman, Mr Napoleon Esemudje, a company representative said the developer was committed to using quality materials and meeting applicable construction requirements throughout the project.

The development is being constructed on a 4,276.216-square-metre site in Ikoyi, one of Lagos’ established residential districts. When completed, the project will comprise 54 luxury apartments, made up of 26 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom units across Wings A and B, alongside a duplex in each wing.

The project has brought together several specialist firms. Cappa and D’Alberto Plc is responsible for the principal construction and civil engineering works, while Baron Architecture is the lead architectural consultant. Trevi Foundations is undertaking piling and deep foundation works, with Lambert Electrics Limited responsible for mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations.

The development is planned to include an indoor swimming pool and lounge deck, gym, steam and relaxation facilities, indoor sports areas, a yoga and meditation space, residents’ social areas, concierge and security services, as well as city views.

It will also provide 150 parking spaces. Each apartment is expected to have two dedicated parking spaces, with additional spaces available for visitors.

Esemudje said the development was intended to provide lasting value for purchasers, describing it as a long-term asset designed with durability in mind. He said buyers should be confident that the apartments were being constructed to high standards and would retain value for future generations.

The project’s Marketing and Real Estate Consultant, Dr Meckson Okoro, said construction had reached the 17th floor, leaving four floors before the 21-storey structure is completed. Delivery is scheduled for December 31, 2027.

Okoro said maintaining close oversight during construction was important not only for structural safety but also for protecting the investment and future rental prospects of subscribers. He added that high-rise developments required consideration of the interests of the public and other stakeholders from the foundation stage through completion.

The Project Manager of Cappa and D’Alberto Plc, Mr Prabal Chakrabarti, said the project was being executed by qualified professionals and subjected to several levels of inspection.

According to Chakrabarti, work is internally certified before concrete is cast, after which the consultants, including Baron Architecture and structural engineering consultants, conduct their own inspections. The client’s consultants, CDH, then review and approve the work before casting proceeds.

He also said officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency inspected key structural elements, including reinforcement, columns and slabs, before approvals were granted for concrete casting.

The company said the project was being executed in line with safety requirements and international quality standards, particularly in response to concerns surrounding building failures in parts of Nigeria.

The emphasis on construction quality comes as Nigeria continues to face a significant housing shortage, making the delivery of safe and durable housing increasingly important. Beyond increasing the number of housing units, developers, regulators and construction professionals must ensure that new developments meet required structural and safety standards.

For high-density urban areas such as Lagos, where vertical development is increasingly important because of limited land availability and rising demand, effective building control, professional supervision and quality assurance remain central to protecting lives, property values and confidence in the housing market.

Developer stresses construction quality

Property developer Messrs Alexander Limited has called for strict compliance with building standards in Nigeria.

The company said strong construction controls can improve building safety and protect property values.

The developer made the call during a tour of the 21-storey 16 Alexander residential project in Ikoyi, Lagos.

A representative of the Executive Chairman, Mr Napoleon Esemudje, said the company would maintain strict quality controls throughout the project.

The representative also assured potential investors that the developer would use premium materials. The company will also follow all relevant building regulations.

21-storey project takes shape in Ikoyi

The Alexander Tower sits on a 4,276.216-square-metre site in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The project will contain 54 luxury apartments. These include 26 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom units across Wings A and B.

Each wing will also have a duplex.

The development will offer several facilities for residents. These include an indoor swimming pool, lounge deck and fully equipped gym.

Residents will also have access to steam and relaxation rooms. The project will include indoor sports facilities, a yoga and meditation area, and social spaces.

The development will also provide 24-hour concierge and security services.

In addition, the project will have 150 parking spaces. Each apartment will receive two dedicated parking spaces. Visitors will also have access to additional parking.

Construction reaches 17th floor

Dr Meckson Okoro, the project’s Marketing and Real Estate Consultant, said construction had reached the 17th floor.

Four more floors remain before the tower reaches its planned 21 floors.

Okoro said the developer expects to complete the project by December 31, 2027.

He also stressed the need for close monitoring as construction continues.

According to him, proper supervision will help protect the building’s structural quality and long-term investment value.

He said buyers should have confidence in the safety of their investment.

Okoro also said high-rise construction must consider more than the developer’s commercial interests.

He said developers and professionals must protect residents, investors and the wider public from the foundation stage to project completion.

Multiple firms oversee construction

Cappa and D’Alberto Plc is handling the main construction and civil engineering work.

Baron Architecture serves as the lead architectural consultant.

Trevi Foundations is responsible for piling and deep foundation works.

Lambert Electrics Limited handles the mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations.

Mr Prabal Chakrabarti, Project Manager at Cappa and D’Alberto Plc, said qualified professionals were working on the project.

He said the project team also carries out several inspections before each concrete casting exercise.

According to Chakrabarti, the construction team first checks and certifies the work internally.

The consultants then inspect the work. Baron Architecture and the structural engineering consultants take part in this process.

The client’s consultants, CDH, also review the work before the team proceeds with concrete casting.

Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency also inspect key structural elements.

These include reinforcement, columns and slabs.

Chakrabarti said the team only proceeds with concrete casting after receiving the required approvals.

Focus on safety and long-term value

The project team said it takes structural safety seriously, especially amid concerns about building collapses in Nigeria.

Chakrabarti said the company follows safety procedures and international quality standards during construction.

The developer also plans to appoint a professional facility management company after completion.

The planned approach highlights the importance of quality control beyond the construction phase. Proper maintenance can also help preserve the condition and value of a residential development.

Wider housing sector implications

Nigeria faces a major shortage of housing, increasing the need for new residential developments.

However, increasing housing supply also requires strong attention to safety and construction quality.

This is especially important in major cities such as Lagos, where high-rise developments can help developers make better use of limited urban land.

For investors and homeowners, building standards also have a direct link to property value. Strong construction practices can reduce safety risks and help protect the long-term performance of residential assets.

The Alexander Tower project therefore highlights a wider issue facing Nigeria’s housing sector: the country needs more homes, but it also needs homes that meet required safety and construction standards.

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