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Wealth Profile Of Cappa & D’Alberto Plc

When it comes to construction giants in Nigeria, few names hold the same weight and heritage as Cappa & D’Alberto Plc. With roots tracing back over 90 years, this iconic company is not only the oldest construction firm in Nigeria but also one of the most impactful players in the nation's infrastructural development. From monumental public buildings to high-end commercial spaces, Cappa & D’Alberto has etched its legacy into Nigeria’s skyline, contributing immensely to the wealth embedded in its architectural evolution.

In this post, we take a deep dive into the wealth profile, historical evolution, leadership, key projects, and financial standing of this venerable institution, while also exploring its future prospects and what keeps it at the top in a highly competitive industry.

Early Beginnings: A Foundation Built on Vision

Founded in 1932 by two Italian immigrants—Pietro Cappa and Vigino D’Alberto—the company started as a small contracting business primarily engaged in construction work commissioned by the Catholic Mission in Lagos. What started as a modest venture soon became a formidable construction powerhouse, driven by a commitment to quality, attention to detail, and integrity.

Despite Nigeria’s colonial economy and the looming global Great Depression, the company found its footing early. It won contracts from both religious and governmental bodies, with early works including government housing in Yola and a hospital in the same region.

However, things took a difficult turn during World War II when British authorities temporarily confiscated the company’s assets, as the founders were Italian nationals. After the war, the company was restored to its original owners, who quickly returned to the business of building a new Nigeria.

Major Projects and Expansion Through the Decades

The 1940s and 1950s were particularly fruitful for the company. Cappa & D’Alberto delivered some of the most iconic buildings in Nigerian history. These include:

• Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos

• The Humoani Mosque

• Kingsway Stores

• Bristol Hotel

• Western House on Lagos Island

• Maternity Hospital also in Lagos

In Ibadan, the company constructed the famous Cocoa House, once the tallest building in West Africa.

By the late 1950s, Cappa & D’Alberto ventured into property development with the creation of the Igbobi Development Company, allowing it to diversify its income streams beyond construction contracts.

Post-Independence Boom and Industrial Projects

Nigeria’s independence in 1960 opened up new opportunities, and Cappa & D’Alberto rose to the occasion. The company executed a wide range of public infrastructure and industrial projects, many of which remain in use today.

Some major undertakings from this era include:

• Housing facilities for workers of Kainji Dam

• The NEPA headquarters on Marina, Lagos

• Tafawa Balewa Square

• The National Stadium in Surulere

• Factories for Dunlop Nigeria Plc

• Arewa Textile mills in Kaduna

By the 1970s, Cappa & D’Alberto had built an extensive asset base. It owned nearly all of its construction equipment, transport vehicles, and operational tools, becoming a fully self-reliant construction powerhouse.

Present-Day Operations and High-Profile Projects

In the modern era, Cappa & D’Alberto remains one of the most trusted and efficient construction companies in Nigeria. The company has successfully blended tradition with innovation, adapting to new technologies and building standards while maintaining the quality and integrity it's known for.

Some recent high-profile projects include:

• The Civic Center Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos

• Zenon House and Union Marble Building

• Mobil House, which serves as a key commercial office building

• Wings Complex, a luxury commercial real estate project

• Eko Pearl Towers, a part of the ambitious Eko Atlantic City project

The company continues to serve a broad client base including multinationals like Nigerian Breweries, MTN, Unilever, as well as international organizations like the United Nations.

Leadership and Governance

Cappa & D’Alberto Plc’s leadership reflects a mix of continuity and innovation. Many members of the founding families remain actively involved in its governance, upholding a legacy of consistency and long-term vision.

Key Leadership Figures:

• Franco Gianotti – Chairman

• Giovanni Mello Grand – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Bruno G. Cappa – Director

• Adetokunbo Coker – Director

Their combined expertise in civil engineering, project management, finance, and international business has helped steer the company through Nigeria's dynamic economic terrain.

Wealth Profile and Financial Performance

Cappa & D’Alberto Plc is a privately-held company, meaning its financial statements are not publicly available like those of publicly traded firms. However, we can infer its wealth profile based on the scale, consistency, and prestige of its projects.

The company owns vast real estate assets, a large fleet of construction equipment, and operates from a robust capital base that has enabled it to survive economic downturns, political transitions, and infrastructural policy shifts in Nigeria.

Moreover, Cappa & D’Alberto’s involvement in joint ventures and partnerships further diversifies its income. These strategic moves enhance its capital reserves and reduce project risks, increasing its capacity to fund long-term infrastructure and property developments.

Industry Impact and Legacy

Cappa & D’Alberto isn’t just a construction company; it is a key pillar of Nigeria’s physical and economic development. The company’s fingerprints are found across the skylines of Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, and other major cities.

It has also trained thousands of Nigerian engineers, architects, and artisans over the decades, contributing significantly to skills development in the country. Many former employees have gone on to start successful construction firms of their own.

Strategic Outlook and Future Growth

Despite being over 90 years old, Cappa & D’Alberto continues to innovate and adapt. Here are some of its key focus areas for future growth:

1. Technological Innovation
   Embracing digital tools, green building techniques, and advanced project management systems to improve efficiency and sustainability.

2. Geographical Expansion
   Targeting projects outside of Lagos and Nigeria, especially in the ECOWAS region.

3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
   Collaborating with government bodies on housing, roadworks, and public infrastructure.

4. Sustainable Construction
   Investing in environmentally-friendly building materials and processes to align with global sustainability standards.

5. Real Estate Development
   Expanding its footprint in residential and commercial real estate through in-house development and partnerships.

Conclusion: The Wealth Behind the Walls

Cappa & D’Alberto Plc is not just wealthy in financial terms—it is rich in heritage, expertise, and impact. From pre-independence Nigeria to the skyscraper-laden streets of modern Lagos, the company has been at the forefront of transformation.

Its legacy is measured not only by the value of its assets but also by the structures it has built, the jobs it has created, and the lives it has touched. As Nigeria continues to expand its infrastructure and real estate markets, Cappa & D’Alberto remains well-positioned to continue as a leading player, with wealth built on more than money—wealth built on trust, tradition, and transformation.