Unknown numbers of people are reportedly still trapped inside a building that collapsed on Thursday in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, according to emergency services.

The three-story skyscraper was being built in the residential neighbourhood of Gwarinpa.

According to a statement from Nkechi Isa, the Federal Capital Territory Management Agency's spokesperson, at least 19 individuals have been saved so far, one of whom has died.

She reported that the victims, who were primarily construction workers, had been transported to hospitals near the city's core.

To assist with the rescue, a group of emergency and security authorities arrived on the spot. A few construction firms with powerful machinery have also arrived to assist with the rescue operations.