REMARKS BY HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE COURTESY VISIT BY NIGERIA INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS AT THE MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS IN ABUJA
Protocols,
Distinguished Members of the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors,
Good afternoon, ladies, and gentlemen.
* First, I would like to express my appreciation to the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Mr. Shonubi Michael Olayemi and members of the Executive Council of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors for this visit.
* Your presence here today is not only a gesture of goodwill. It is also a testament to the importance of collaboration between the government and professional bodies in the collective goal to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians and ensuring sustainable urban development.
* Since we assumed office, we have been meeting with several other professional bodies. This is because we believe that these stakeholder engagements are vital ingredients for the policies that we need to drive our reform agenda for housing and urban development in line with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Vision.
* So, for us at the Ministry, we would like to consider this visit not just as another routine visit of the Institute to a new Minister, but the beginning of a more impactful and result-oriented partnership between the Ministry and the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
* Your profession plays a key role in the delivery of affordable housing. Your ability to manage costs, optimize resources, and ensure quality and compliance directly impacts the feasibility of affordable housing projects. By leveraging your expertise, we can create sustainable, well-built, and affordable housing solutions for communities, promoting social development and economic progress.
* I have taken note of all the pertinent issues that you would like the Ministry to help resolve during my tenure. I assure you that my team and I are committed to working with you to address these concerns.
* One of the central pillars of my tenure as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development will be the prioritization of affordable housing. It is a matter of utmost importance that we address the housing needs of the 80 percent of Nigeria's population who fall within the no-income, low to medium earners category. These hardworking citizens are equally deserving of living in decent, well-planned homes and neighborhoods that reflect the principles of inclusivity and fairness. Doing so requires affordable housing design concepts based on the most efficient bills of quantities.
* In my first week in office, I set up an Affordable Housing Design Committee to develop more efficient design options that fit the income profiles of Nigerians within the low- and medium-income bracket. Our Ministry professionals have done a great job and we ll like to have your comments before we unveil them to the public. Our goal is to come up with the most efficient, workable and sustainable affordable designs that will help us deliver on our mandate.
* In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, we are committed to creating housing opportunities that cater to the needs of this significant portion of our population. We will work diligently to make affordable housing a reality, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality homes that they can afford. This initiative will not only improve the living conditions of our people but also stimulate economic growth and job creation in the housing and construction sectors.
* But before I conclude, it’s important to emphasize that the responsibility for promoting and enforcing discipline within the construction and building industry does not rest solely on the government. The Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, as a professional body, also has a crucial role to play in this regard.
* I urge the Institute to explore all measures within its charter to promote and enforce discipline among its registered members. This includes setting and upholding high ethical and professional standards, conducting regular audits and inspections, and taking appropriate disciplinary actions against those who engage in substandard practices. By doing so, the Institute will not only protect the reputation of its profession but also contribute significantly to the safety and quality of construction in Nigeria.
* As we move forward, let us remember that the future of our nation lies in the strength of our infrastructure and the well-being of our citizens. Together, we can build communities, towns and cities that are safe, sustainable, and inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to decent housing and improved living conditions.
* In conclusion, I would like to thank the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors once again for this courtesy visit, and I look forward to our partnership and the positive impact we can collectively make on the housing and urban development landscape of Nigeria.
* Thank you, and may God bless our efforts and our beloved country, Nigeria.
