Belgore Receives NIA's Leadership On Courtesy visit, Pleadges Enhanced Collaboration, Culture of Hardwork Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore has played host to the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) on a courtesy visit to his office, and pledged enhanced working Collaboration and culture of hardwork with the institute.     Dr Belgore expressed delight over the visit and the pledge of closer collaboration by the NIA, assuring that the Ministry would give all necessary support to the institute to ensure high standard in the construction industry .   While showing concern over the dispute preventing the registration of architects over a period close to 10 years, Dr. Belgore promised to double effort to ensure resolution of all issues in no distant time.   “Next week we are going to Lagos for a retreat. I’m sure you would get an invitation  to be part of it, perhaps while there, we will resolve all this in the meeting and sort everything out so that our children can get registered.” he stated.   Reacting on closing the housing deficit, sustainable urban planning, affordable housing and community engagements raised by the NIA, the Permanent Secretary noted that they are issues that aligned with the presidential deliverables of the Ministry and encouraged the partnership of the institute with the ministry in that regard.   On the other hand,  Dr Belhore frowned at the menace of building collapses particularly in newer constructions, emphasizing on the need to improve the quality of building materials and adhering to standards in order to correct the hazard.   He disclosed that the Ministry is looking into the standardizing certification for artisans into construction, “we are building schools and we want to have a situation where every artisan has a certification”.   Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary explored the possibility for the ministry establishing an agency for building material standards that would be saddled with the issuance of building material standard certificates.   Belgore also emphasized the importance of team work in moving the Ministry and Country forward by providing excellent service to Nigerians.   Speaking earlier, the  President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to addressing the nation’s housing and urban development challenges through strategic collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.   Arc Adeniyi emphasised the crucial role of  effective partnership in solving Nigeria’s housing deficit, highlighting the readiness of the institute to introduce innovative designs, promote the use of sustainable materials, and enhance community engagement to create more inclusive and resilient urban spaces.   As part of efforts to ensure quality and safety in the construction industry, Adeniyi requested that the Building Materials Standards Organization be moved to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), saying that, it will strengthen regulatory oversight, tackle the proliferation of substandard building materials, and curb the increasing cases of building collapses across the country. ...

Dangiwa Calls for Excellence, Dispute-Free Construction Industry   *  says ICIArb provides a robust framework for resolving disputes   * dispute-free culture in construction industry ensures timely housing, infrastructure projects delivery  Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to fostering a dispute-free environment in Nigeria’s construction industry.    The Minister made this assertion while receiving members of the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb), at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja today.   The Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb), is a leading arbitral institution dedicated to resolving disputes in Nigeria’s construction sector.    The minister acknowledged the institute’s expertise in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, saying that it provides a robust framework for resolving disputes in a timely, cost-effective, and amicable manner.    “By promoting a culture of dispute-free construction, we can ensure that our housing and infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, he stated.   Dangiwa made reference to the approval for the insertion of the ICIArb arbitration clause in building contracts during the 12th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development held in Kaduna State, saying it was a notable milestone in the collective efforts to streamline dispute resolution mechanisms in the construction industry.   According to the Minister, the clause applies to building contracts, tenancy agreements, leases, and facility management contracts to reduce litigation and ensure smoother project execution.   While emphasizing that delays caused by bureaucracy and contractors prioritizing financial gains over project completion often leads to cost overruns and budget inefficiencies, Dangiwa assured that the ministry was implementing strategies to ensure timely project execution and delivery.   Accordingly, he called for stronger partnerships among relevant stakeholders in the built environment so as to create enabling environment for the construction industry, pointing out that capacity-building initiatives and public awareness campaigns would drive industry excellence and efficiency.   Speaking earlier, the President of the ICIArb, Chief Felix Okereke Onyeri, requested partnership with Ministry in order to promote seamless dispute resolution culture in the housing sector.   He sought the Minister's support in implementing the Institute's arbitration clause in building contracts, as approved by the 12th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development; and as well, offered collaboration to ensure compliance to the content of the clause by ministries and agencies.   ...

Dangiwa Underscores Importance of Collaboration, Innovation to Addressing Challenges of Urbanisation Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has underscored the relevance of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges of urbanisation.   Dangiwa spoke during a meeting with delegates from Hip City Innovation Centre, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, Wednesday, 5th February, 2025.   HipCity Innovation Centre is a research, development and advocacy organization that focuses on strengthening youth and community resilience, fostering active citizen participation in democratic processes. They are also a member of the World Urban Campaign (UN-Habitat affiliate) and Making Cities Resilient MCR2030   The minister expressed readiness of the Ministry to partner with youth organizations in order to harness their talents and ideas, which would contribute to the creation of resilient cities and urban centers equitable and prosperous for all.   While recognizing the youths as the largest demographic and the drivers of change in Nigeria, the Minister commended their commitment to sustainable urban and housing development in Nigeria, pointing out the significance of their energy, creativity, and passion to the shaping of cities and communities.   He commended the initiative of the delegation to form a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, saying that it aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s vision of inclusive and participatory governance, where every citizen has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.   Explaining further, Dangiwa recalled  “The 2024 World Cities Day event and the World Urban Forum in Cairo were important moments for us as a Ministry. They reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of urbanization”   Stating the opportunities and challenges presented by the growth of Nigeria’s cities, the Minister acknowledged that the young people as the dominant population of city dwellers have a unique perspective on the issues affecting urban areas, from housing affordability to transportation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.   Arc. Dangiwa further assured of his commitment as the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, to inclusive urbanization, as well as the Ministry’s openness to the idea of a Youth Advisory Board.   “We will work with you to holistically review the concept that you have proposed, make necessary inputs so that it is transparent, inclusive and sustainable”, he promised.   On their part, the Executive Director of the  HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE, Bassey Bassey, requested the Ministry to consider the constitution of a Youth Advisory Board to ensure youth participation in housing and urban development policy making, in order for their insights, priorities, and innovative ideas to reflect in national strategies.   He commended the leadership of the Minister as the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, particularly in the area of strategic plan for 2026-2029 which focuses on areas like adequate housing, issues of land, transformation of informal settlement and slum, among others.   While referencing the existence of the Youth Advisory Board at the UN Habitat level, Mr Bassey emphasized on the need for the Board at the National level, while further expressing desire for the Board to be set up within the shortest possible time in order to position the Nigerian Youths to contribute to global conversation and take local action when the strategic plan at the global level kickstarts in the year 2026.   Highlight of the visit, was the presentation of a research publication by the HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE on Abuja as a city for Hub. ...