Ata Inaugurates Building Code Advisory Committee, Assures Nigerians of Safe Buildings   * Says Building Code, a crucial regulatory instrument in housing construction.   Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Attah has inaugurated a twenty one member committee on National Building Code Advisory, Thursday August 28th, 2025.   The Reconstituted Committee comprises; duly registered professionals, representatives of key institutions, relevant Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as one state representative per geopolitical zones of the country.   In his address, Hon Ata described l the inauguration as a collective resolve to reposition the Nigerian building and construction industry on a foundation of standards, regulations, and professionalism.   “ By inaugurating this Committee, we are demonstrating our determination to ensure that every Nigerian home, office, school, hospital, and place of assembly is built to specifications that guarantee safety, durability, and sustainability”, he added.   He highlighted the National Building Code as a crucial regulatory instrument that sets minimum standards for pre-design, design, construction, and maintenance stages, ensuring quality, safety, and proficiency in the building industry.   Giving a historical context to the journey of building code in Nigeria, the Minister informed that the first attempt was initiated in 1987 by the Federal National Council of Works and Housing, with subsequent attempts made in 1989 and 1990, then  draft presented at the second National Council on Housing and Urban Development in 2005.   He stated that the code was officially signed into law in 2006 by President Olusegun Obasanjo, but has recorded slow progress due to challenges in ratification, enforcement, and compliance.   The Minister further informed that first National Building Code Advisory Committee was inaugurated in 2018, but was not reconstructed after its three-year term expired.   He noted that the national building code was initiated by the National Council on Housing and Urban Development to address issues such as absence of town and city planning, incessant building collapses, use of non-professionals, lack of maintenance culture, among others.   On the Committee’s responsibility and enforcement, Hon. Attah said they would be responsible for periodic reviews of the code, and accountable to the Honourable Minister, adding that the code establishes enforcement divisions and units at federal, state, and local government levels, staffed by registered professionals, who are charged with implementing its provisions.   Accordingly, he outlined the functions of the committee in line with section 3 of the Code to include; periodic review of the National Building Code, recommending technical subcommittees, and guiding specialized technical sub-committees.   Informing that the committee will meet at least twice a year, with all meetings subject to the approval of the Minister, the Honorable Minister instructed that the committee would provide quarterly reports detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations to the ministry, as well as ensure that their work leads to visible results.   “This is a serious national assignment and it must be treated as such. It cannot and must not be business as usual. Nigerians expect results. The Ministry expects results”, he warned.   Hon. Attah charged members of this Committee to bring their professional competence, integrity, and patriotic commitment to bear, in discharging their responsibilities; “The safety of our citizens, the durability of our infrastructure, and the resilience of our cities depend on the work you do here”, he stated.   He further communicated the commitment of the government to delivering safe, decent, and affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development, expressing optimism that enforcement of the Building Code, would create jobs, protect lives, secure property, and ensure that cities grow in harmony with safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.   Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, represented by the Director Public Buildings,  Qs Pemi Temitope,  emphasized on the importance of the code to provide a unifying framework that sets minimum standards for design, construction and maintenance of building across the country.    He said the inauguration is a demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the Honourable Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa in ensuring that the ministry’s mandate of providing affordable shelter to Nigerians is pursued, without compromising safety, quality and sustainability.    Dr. Belgore further stated that the reconstitution of the committee was therefore a deliberate step to guarantee that every housing intervention is guided by modern standards that protect lives, preserve value, and promote resilience within our built environment.   Speaking on behalf of the committee,  the Chairman of the NBCAC Committee Arc. Mohammed Faworaja  assured the Minister that the committee would carry out their responsibilities with diligence and professionalism, adhering to all requirements.   On domestication of the code in states, he said the committee will look into the National Standards and encourage states to domesticate using their peculiar situations. ...

Housing Ministry Launches Portal to Track, Report Fraudulent Practices in Real Estate Sector   * Ministry guided by 2012 National Housing Policy for firmer regulation of housing industry - Dangiwa    * Introduces Innovative Application of Contract Performance and Compliance Monitoring System to strengthen projects oversight The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has launched a Housing Fraud Reporting web-based platform aimed at allowing citizens to report incidents of fraud in housing estates.   The platform with the sub-domain name https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng, enables users to submit complaints and share relevant evidences and information on fraudulent practices in the real estate sector, in the country.   In his remarks during the live presentation of the Fraud Detection and Reporting System Web Portal, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, stated that the Ministry was guided by the 2012 National Housing Policy to commence firmer regulation of the housing industry.    " The policy mandates the government to establish an efficient administrative, legal and regulatory framework to enforce the control and monitoring of housing delivery, ensure that all persons who offer professional services in the built environment are properly registered with their professional bodies" he stated    Other mandates in the policy according to the Minister include: strengthening oversight of estate developers through certification and regulation under the authority of the Ministry, as well as moving towards creating a National Housing and Urban Development Regulatory Commission to provide overall coordination of the sector.   “This will mean closer scrutiny of developers, tighter monitoring of real estate practices, and stronger enforcement against fraudulent actors”, he explained.   Dangiwa expressed optimism that the Housing Fraud Detection and Reporting Portal will help to achieve the  mandate; “It will empower Nigerians to report fraud, track cases, and strengthen transparency in real estate transactions”, he remarked.   While decrying that hardworking citizens have overtime fallen prey to fraudulent practices, sharp operators, and unscrupulous individuals in the real estate industry,. Dangiwa informed that the current administration through the Ministry, has taken bold steps to shine a light on the activities of real estate practitioners and to ensure that Nigerians are protected.   He further explained “The Housing Fraud Detection and Reporting Portal provides a credible, safe, and transparent channel for Nigerians to report fraudulent practices, track cases, and help government take decisive action against culprits”   Accordingly, the Minister firmly warned that sharp practices will not be tolerated in housing sector, adding that the Ministry will work with professional bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.   He commended the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore for his leadership in driving the initiative, the Committee members for their tireless efforts, as well as the Consultant for providing the technical expertise to make the system a reality.   “Our goal is simple: a housing sector where Nigerians can invest and own homes with confidence, free from fear of fraud. This is how we will protect our people, restore trust, and move closer to the vision of safe, decent and affordable housing for all" he said.   In his introductory remarks, Deputy Director and Head, Information and Communication and Technology (ICT) Department, Dr. Marcus Amiolemen, revealed that the Housing Fraud Reporting System was developed in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).    He described the platform as a simple, user-friendly online tool that empowers citizens to report incidents of fraud in the real estate sector.   Dr. Amiolemen explained that the system, which can be accessed via https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng/, gives Nigerians the opportunity to submit complaints and provide vital information on fraudulent practices in the housing industry.   According to him, the Ministry will carefully review the reports received on the platform, and work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that proper investigations and actions are taken.   Earlier in a related development, the Director also spoke about the introduction of Contract Performance and Compliance Project Monitoring System (CPCPMS), noting that the innovative application is designed to strengthen projects’ monitoring and oversight, while improving service delivery to citizens.    He pointed out that the CPCPMS comes with several notable features, including: a real-time dashboard and analytics module for easy visualization of project data; a contractor performance module guided by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs);    Other features are mobile field reporting that allows staff, engineers, and supervisors to upload photos and progress updates directly from project sites; as well as a centralized document repository that provides secure access to contracts’ payment certificates, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs).   Dr. Amiolemen reaffirmed that both platforms underscored the commutment of the Ministry to promoting transparency, enhancing accountability, and protecting citizens from sharp practices in the housing sector.   The launch event featured a detailed explanation on the use of the websites by the consultants; Messrs Freestone Investments Limited and Messrs Prunedge Development Technologies Limited. ...

Housing Ministry Recognises,  Celebrates Outstanding Staff Members    * Recognition Award strengthens service delivery - Perm Sec   In line with acknowledging and honoring dedication to service, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has recognized and awarded some outstanding staffers from different departments for their exceptional performances, hard work and commitment to effective service delivery.   The colourful award ceremony which was presided by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore took place at the Conference hall of the Ministry and had the Directors and Heads of Departments of the Ministry, as well as members of staff in attendance     Dr. Belgore, in his remarks noted that the purpose of the award ceremony was to strengthen service delivery, adding that staff good qualities were among the parameters for selection in addition to perfirmances    He refered to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation Award given to one of the Ministry’s staff, and encouraged other Staff to work towards receiving more of such recognitions that would put the Ministry on the limelight.   Dr. Belgore informed that the Civil Service awards is an innovation which is part of staff welfare, recognizing hard working staff in delivering the mandate of the Ministry to make housing affordable for Nigerians and reduce housing deficit in the country.   “ You all in your own little space can make a difference, never minding what another person is doing”, he said.   Accordingly,  he explained that the Ministry’s monthly award for best staff from each department, would culminate in an annual award; “we are going to have awardees every month and at the end of the year, we would aggregate all awards and bring one person as the overall best staff in the Ministry, as well as overall best staff at the departmental level ”, he explained.   While commending the Director of the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department for excellent works, he announced that the Ministry would also institute best department awards, as well as the best director, with handsome rewards attached   The Permanent Secretary further informed that aside the staff recognition award, staff members can also win an innovation award by bringing new ways and ideas to drive the system forward.   “The rewards for this are just as big in the overall civil service consideration as that of recognition of staff performance, you can win a house, a car and plenty of money, I want to go and celebrate my staff there”, he remarked.   Dr. Belgore thanked the awardees for what they do for the Ministry and Nigeria at large, especially at a time that the country is going through rough times, adding that the awardees would be given training priority, capturing them in the first batch upon commencement when funds are available.   Earlier in her remarks, the Head of, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Ibifuro Philips-Ogoniba reteirated that the monthly staff recognition is a reminder that hard work and commitment are not just good habits, but are building blocks of effective service delivery.    While noting that meaningful reforms starts with personal discipline, professionalism and commitment to support others, she stated that each awardee has shown a clear commitment to value which directly improves the ministry's function.    She congratulated the awardees, commending them for setting a standard and dedication to both their departments and ministry, further encouraging others to be inspired by the staff recognition, and strive for excellence in various departments and the nation at large.   Mrs Philips-Ogoniba also emphasized that the innovative idea for Staff of the month predates the Service Wide Award which has been expanded into four categories namely: staff of the month, mentorship, best dressed and most punctual.    She informed that the award ceremony is in line with the OHCSF directive, through which awards will be rerouted henceforth and domiciled at the Ministerial Award Selection Committee (MASCO) chaired by Director of Human Resources Management department.   Speaking on behalf of the awardees Dr. Ibrahim Kogbe, who was the winner of the EPIC award for the 2025 International Civil Service Day, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the ministry for recognizing their efforts through the Staff of the Month award celebration.   He appreciated the Permanent Secretary for his leadership, support and encouragement, and thanked the management for creating a culture that celebrates excellence.   Dr. Kogbe further affirmed the commitment of the awardees to keep giving their best to service.   “This recognition is not just an award; it is a strong motivation for us to keep giving our best to the service of our nation". He said. ...