Two residents escaped serious danger on Friday after part of a one-storey residential building collapsed in Kubwa 2/2, near Yellow Page, Abuja.

The victims were inside the ground floor when the right section of the building suddenly gave way at about 11:30am. Rescue teams pulled both residents from the rubble alive and took them to Kubwa General Hospital for treatment.

The Head of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, confirmed the incident in a statement.

Rescue Operation

FEMD received a distress call about eight minutes after the collapse, at 11:38am. The agency then mobilised its response team to the affected property.

Rescuers reached the scene and worked to free the two trapped residents. Both victims survived the incident and remain in stable condition at the hospital.

No death has been reported in connection with the collapse.

The affected property contains six blocks of flats. However, most of the other occupants were away when the incident occurred. Their absence helped reduce the number of people exposed to the collapse.

Despite the successful rescue, the incident caused major damage to personal belongings and household items belonging to residents.

Authorities Begin Investigation

The Department of Development Control also responded to the scene alongside the FCT Police Command.

The agencies moved to secure the area and begin inquiries into what caused the structural failure. Authorities have not yet released a cause for the collapse.

The investigation will be important in determining whether issues linked to construction, structural integrity or compliance with approved building requirements played any role.

Building Safety and Housing in Abuja

The Kubwa incident again draws attention to the importance of building safety in Abuja’s growing residential communities.

Nigeria continues to face strong demand for housing. As developers respond to that demand, construction quality and regulatory compliance remain important parts of safe housing delivery.

Building approvals, proper structural design and effective site supervision can help reduce risks during construction and occupancy. Development control agencies also play an important role in ensuring that projects follow approved plans and relevant building requirements.

Building failures can have consequences beyond physical damage. Residents may lose household possessions, face temporary displacement and incur unexpected costs after a collapse.

For property owners and developers, the incident also highlights the need to treat structural safety as a core part of housing development. Affordable housing should not come at the expense of safety or compliance with construction standards.

Wider Housing Implications

The collapse in Kubwa highlights a wider challenge for Nigeria’s housing sector. The country needs more homes, but it also needs homes that can provide safe and secure living conditions.

Authorities, developers and other construction professionals all have roles to play in maintaining building standards. Stronger monitoring and timely intervention can help identify potential risks before they become emergencies.

For now, the two rescued residents remain under medical care at Kubwa General Hospital. Meanwhile, the relevant FCT authorities will continue to secure the site and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

The post Two Rescued After One-Storey Building Collapses in Kubwa, Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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.

The post Developer Urges Strict Building Standards as Housing Demand Rises appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has attributed the growing cases of real estate fraud, substandard construction, and building collapses across the country to the activities of unregulated and unregistered property developers. The association called for stricter regulation and enforcement to protect homebuyers, improve construction standards, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector.

Speaking during an interview, REDAN President Prince Akintoye Adeoye said many of the challenges confronting the real estate industry stem from the absence of effective regulation and the activities of individuals operating outside recognised professional and legal frameworks. He stressed that many fraudulent operators lack the technical expertise and ethical standards required to deliver safe and quality housing projects.

Adeoye noted that patronising unregistered developers exposes buyers to risks such as land fraud, project abandonment, structural defects, and building collapse. He urged prospective homeowners and investors to verify the credentials of developers before making payments or committing to property transactions.

According to him, REDAN has continued to advocate for stronger collaboration with government agencies and regulatory institutions to sanitise the real estate sector. He said improved oversight, stricter compliance with planning regulations, and the enforcement of professional standards would significantly reduce fraudulent practices and improve the quality of housing delivery.

The REDAN president also emphasised the need for all developers to comply with building codes, obtain statutory approvals, and engage qualified professionals, including architects, engineers, builders, and quantity surveyors, throughout the construction process. He maintained that adherence to established standards is essential to preventing avoidable structural failures.

Industry stakeholders believe that strengthening regulation, improving consumer awareness, and enforcing professional standards will help reduce building collapses, discourage fraudulent property transactions, and create a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable real estate market capable of attracting greater investment.

The post REDAN Blames Unregulated Developers for Rising Real Estate Fraud, Building Collapses appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This warning came during a recent stakeholder forum in Lagos. The event was titled “Boosting the Building Industry Value Chain with Standard Roofing Sheets.” Industry leaders, government officials, and building professionals attended.

Theresa Ojomo, Director of SON Lagos Office, explained that many local manufacturers and installers are ignoring the Nigerian Industrial Standards. She said roofing sheets must meet strict rules for thickness, strength, and chemical composition. Painted and stone-coated sheets are also expected to follow these guidelines.

Ojomo warned that without proper coating, roofing sheets break down quickly. Rain and weather exposure can lead to leaks, roof collapse, and chemical pollution. In some cases, these chemicals can get into water supplies.

SON recently destroyed a batch of imported roofing sheets that failed quality checks. These products did not meet the required thickness or chemical composition.

Cletus Igbojionu from the Association of Secondary Aluminium Producers of Nigeria also spoke at the forum. He said poor wooden support and climate change make the problem worse. He added that windy rain can expose weak roofing, no matter the thickness of the sheet.

To fix this, his group has started training carpenters and installers. They must now earn a MANCAP certificate from SON before working professionally.

Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, was represented at the event by Talatu Ethan, Director of Corporate Affairs. Ethan said SON is working with industry partners to improve product quality. She noted that roofing sheets are not just materials but the final layer of protection for any building.

Ethan warned that fake products can lead to serious harm, property damage, and loss of trust in honest manufacturers. She said SON is increasing enforcement through MANCAP and SONCAP programs. The agency is also checking ports to stop the entry of substandard imports.

SON has raided illegal warehouses and started legal action against those who break the rules. Ethan stressed that strong enforcement alone is not enough. She called for full cooperation from everyone in the industry.

Finally, SON is urging manufacturers, builders, importers, and installers to follow quality standards. Any product that fails to meet the rules will be seized or destroyed.

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