The Chief Executive Officer of KaySteph Group, Kolawole Emmanuel Omolaye, has called for stricter enforcement of regulations and improved compliance with construction standards to address recurring cases of building collapse in Nigeria. Omolaye made the call while speaking with journalists during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lily Crest Residence project in Karasana, Abuja.
Causes of Building Collapse
He attributed many incidents of structural failure across the country to the use of substandard materials, poor reinforcement practices and the tendency of some developers to compromise standards in pursuit of profit. “One of the major causes of building collapse in Nigeria is the use of wrong reinforcements and the decision by some developers to compromise standards in order to reduce costs,” he said. “In our company, we do not cut corners because safety and quality remain our top priorities.”
According to him, many structural failures could be avoided if developers strictly adhered to approved engineering specifications and standard construction procedures. Omolaye stressed that developers must prioritise the safety and long-term interests of homeowners above short-term profit considerations. “We cannot sell houses that we ourselves cannot live in. Once developers begin to put themselves in the shoes of their subscribers, they will be more committed to doing the right thing instead of compromising standards,” he added.
Infrastructure and Urban Development
He also commended ongoing efforts by authorities to improve infrastructure in emerging districts such as Karasana within the Federal Capital Territory, noting that improved road networks and public infrastructure would support urban expansion and housing development.
Speaking on the Lily Crest Residence project, Omolaye explained that the estate comprises different categories of luxury residential units designed to meet varying housing needs. “Here we have four different types of buildings. We have the three-bedroom luxury apartment built on four floors with elevator facilities. We also have four-bedroom terraces with boys’ quarters, featuring three master bedrooms, one on the first floor and two on the second floor,” he said. According to him, the estate also includes four-bedroom semi-detached duplexes and fully detached houses, alongside facilities such as a children’s playground, clubhouse, swimming pool and water treatment plant.
Commissioning and Endorsement
The project was commissioned by Sam Oye, who described the development as an example of vision being translated into reality through commitment and execution. “It is one thing to have a vision, but what truly sets people apart is the ability to translate that vision into reality. What I have seen here is remarkable because this project has moved beyond imagination into execution,” he said.
Oye also described Karasana as a peaceful and strategically suitable environment for residential development, particularly for families and retirees. Drawing from his background in geology, he noted that the district’s landscape and natural terrain make it one of the emerging residential locations within the Federal Capital Territory. “One of the things I admire about Karasana is its natural landscape, mountainous views and refreshing atmosphere. It is an ideal environment for raising children, retirement living and peaceful habitation,” he added.
Commitment to Quality
Project Architect at KaySteph Group, Ifeanyi Uzoigwe, also reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining high construction standards. “At KaySteph Group, we do not compromise on standards. From the design stage to project execution, we engage qualified professionals and ensure that only approved materials and specifications are used in construction,” he said.
Uzoigwe explained that many cases of building collapse are linked to compromise by developers or clients and stressed the importance of proper soil investigation before construction begins. “In one of our projects in Jahi, we discovered water after excavation and had to change from the approved strip foundation to a raft foundation to guarantee structural stability, even though it increased the cost,” he explained.
He added that integrity and quality have remained central to the company’s operations since its establishment in 2015. “We use high-quality reinforcement materials and adapt our construction methods to suit site conditions because we want our clients to have confidence that our buildings will stand the test of time,” he stated.
