HIGHLIGHTS ON THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF NIGERIA 
 

Background and Purpose
 

•    Initiated in 1987 by the defunct National Council of Works and Housing; workshops in 1989 (ASCON, Badagry) and 1990 (Ijebu-Ode) shaped the first draft.
 

•    Formally re-presented at the 2nd National Council on Housing and Urban Development (2005), leading to the 2006 edition.
 

•    The Code was developed to address poor planning of cities, incessant building collapse, fire disasters, quackery, use of substandard materials, and weak regulation.
 

•    Aim: Establish minimum standards for pre-design, design, construction, and post-construction stages of buildings to ensure safety, quality, and professionalism.
 

Structure of the Code
 

1.    Part I – Administration
 

o    Sets out definitions, scope, and applicability of the Code.
 

o    Establishes the Building Code Advisory Committee (BCAC), under the Minister of Housing & Urban Development, responsible for periodic review and oversight.
 

o    Provides clear interpretations, definitions, and abbreviations of building terms.
 

2.    Part II – Technical (Professionals)
 

o    Building Design Classifications: Categorizes buildings into Use Groups A–L, e.g. Assembly, Business, Educational, Industrial, High Hazard, Institutional, Mercantile, Residential, Storage, Mixed Use, Utility.
 

o    Building Construction Classifications: Provides technical standards for fire safety, structural integrity, materials, and occupancy.
 

o    Defines responsibilities of registered professionals (Architects, Engineers, Builders, Surveyors, etc.) in all stages.
 

3.    Part III – Enforcement
 

o    Divides the building process into four regulated stages:
 

    Pre-Design Stage – planning, approvals, environmental and safety assessments.
 

    Design Stage – adherence to professional standards and safety codes.
 

    Construction Stage – site supervision, materials quality control, and health & safety compliance.
 

    Post-Construction Stage – building use certification, maintenance standards, and inspections.
 

o    Establishes the role of the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO).
 

4.    Part IV – Schedules and References
 

o    Provides supporting documents, data, tables, and approved forms linked to the Code.
 

o    Incorporates referenced standards such as National Fire Safety Code and others.

Key Provisions
 

•    Minimum Standards: All buildings must comply with minimum requirements for safety, durability, and habitability.
 

•    Certification: No building can be occupied without a Certificate of Use and Habitation issued by enforcement officers.
 

•    Fire Safety: Detailed fire hazard classifications and preventive standards.
 

•    Accessibility: Public buildings must make provisions for the physically challenged.
 

•    Zoning & Planning: Integrates urban and regional planning laws, requiring development permits and compliance with zoning regulations.
 

•    Professional Accountability: Only registered professionals may prepare, design, and execute building works.
 

•    Prohibition of Quackery: Prevents use of non-professionals and untested materials.
 

•    Maintenance: Every building must have a Building Maintenance Manual.
 

•    Enforcement: State governments are encouraged to adopt the Code into their laws for effective local implementation.

Significance
 

•    Provides a national benchmark for building standards in Nigeria.
 

•    Aims to reduce building collapse, fire outbreaks, and disasters.
 

•    Encourages professionalism, quality assurance, and compliance across the industry.
 

•    Promotes safety, accessibility, and sustainable urban development.

The statement from the Hon. Minister of State For Housing & Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi.

It is with profound sadness that I, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, mourning the passing of Former President, late Muhammadu Buhari. 

He departed this life on Sunday, June 13, 2024, at a hospital in London.

As we bid farewell to a leader who served Nigeria with dedication, I extend my deepest condolences to the Buhari family, the government, and the people of Nigeria. 

May Allah grant late President Buhari Aljannah Firdaus and grant the family patience and fortitude during this difficult time.

As a nation, we reflect on President Buhari's service and contributions to our country's development. 

May Allah grant us the strength to carry on his legacy of public service and patriotism and grant President Buhari's soul eternal rest. Amen.

The Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, 

July 13th, 2025.

OPENING REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, DR. SHUAIB M.L. BELGORE, NPOM, OON AT THE NATIONAL LANDS REGISTRATION AND DOCUMENTATION PROGRAMME HELD ON 19TH MARCH 2025, AT TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA 

PROTOCOLS 

1.0    I am honoured to make opening remarks at this pivotal National Lands Registration and Documentation Programme. This gathering is a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s land administration system, a crucial factor in promoting economic growth, social stability, and national development. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our distinguished guests and stakeholders who have taken the time to be here today. 

2.0   The Theme of this programme speaks directly to one of the most pressing challenges in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector—Land Registration and Documentation more especially, Sub-Saharan African Countries. As we are all aware, land ownership and security of tenure remains fundamental to sustainable urban development, real estate investment, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure development. 

3.0   The National Lands Registration and Documentation Programme is a response to these longstanding challenges. This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, seeks to advocate for the modernization and streamlining of land registration processes across the country by harmonizing land records, digitizing documentation systems, and enhancing accessibility to land information.

 The key objectives of this programme include: 

i. Ensuring a unified and efficient Land Registration System by working closely with State Governments and Land Actors and Agencies with the view of creating a standardized approach that will reduce duplication, inconsistencies, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. 

ii. Leveraging Technology for land digitization which aims at the transition from manual to digital land records that improves data security, minimize fraudulent activities, and facilitate ease of doing business in the real estate and mortgage sectors in line with global best practices. 

iii. Providing legal certainty and security of tenure to attain proper land documentation. Landowners will have the assurance of legal protection, thereby fostering confidence in land transactions. 

iv. Enhancing investment opportunities in a well-structured land registration system that will unlock potential of land assets, enabling access to credit facilities and boosting investments in housing, agriculture, and infrastructure.

v. Reducing Land Disputes and Promoting Social Stability in a clear, well-documented land titles system to reduce land-related conflicts that have hindered development and economic prosperity in many communities.

 4.0   I am using this medium to laud the significant initiative of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in driving this process. I will also use this opportunity to thank the State Governments, the World Bank, Organizers of this programme and all collaborating institutions for their commitment to addressing this critical issue. The road ahead may be challenging, but with collective efforts, strategic planning, and sustained commitment, we can establish a land registration system we can be proud of. 

5.0  Once again, I warmly welcome you all and look forward to a productive and insightful engagement. 

Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AT THE STAKEHOLDER FORUM ON DEVELOPMENT OF FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR MANUFACTURERS OF LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS COMPONENTS IN NIGERIA

Protocols:

1. I want to start by underscoring the importance of building materials in the overall cost of constructing a house.

2. On average, building materials account for approximately 50% to 70% of the total cost of building a house.

3. Cement alone can account for 15% to 20% of the total cost, while steel and reinforcement materials make up another 10% to 15%.

4. Roofing materials account for 5% to 10%, doors, windows, and finishes can take up 10% to 15%, and electrical and plumbing materials round off with 5% to 10%.

5. Sand, gravel, and aggregates contribute 5% to 10%, and blocks and bricks add another 5% to 10%.

6. These figures highlight a clear reality: the cost of building materials is a major determinant of housing affordability. If we can reduce the cost of these materials through local production and strategic fiscal incentives, we can significantly lower the overall cost of housing construction. This, in turn, will make housing more accessible to the average Nigerian.

7. The issue of boosting local manufacturing of building materials has been a longstanding one. It is worth noting that the Building Materials Producers Association of Nigeria (BUMPAN) was formally established on 24th March 2004, with the objective of identifying, mobilizing, and sensitizing small and medium domestic producers of building materials and components to the challenges and economic potential.

8. BUMPAN was envisioned to lay a solid foundation for the development of robust, effective, and economically viable small and medium-scale industries for the production of building materials.

9. It was also expected to facilitate the production of affordable, target-priced houses that would be within the reach of contributors to the National Housing Fund.

10. Similarly, BUMPAN was designed to provide backward and forward linkages in housing production, encompassing building materials and the associated small and medium-scale industries. These industries were to offer employment opportunities, create wealth, and contribute to the economic progress of the country.

11. Today, for so many reasons,  we cannot really point to what BUMPAN has achieved.

12. The local manufacturing of building materials has the potential to create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce our reliance on imported materials. By supporting local manufacturers, we can foster innovation, improve quality, and reduce costs, making housing more affordable for Nigerians.

13. Local production of building materials will directly contribute to reducing the cost of construction, thereby making housing more accessible to the average Nigerian. This aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to providing affordable housing for all.

14. As we discussed yesterday, the government is actively working to establish building materials manufacturing hubs across the country. These hubs will serve as centralized locations where manufacturers can access shared infrastructure, reduce production costs, and benefit from economies of scale.

15. The rationale behind this initiative is clear: by clustering manufacturers in designated hubs, we can create a synergistic environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. These hubs are to also provide access to modern technology, training programs, and research and development facilities, enabling manufacturers to produce high-quality materials that meet international standards.

16.  Moreover, the hubs will be strategically located to ensure easy access to raw materials and distribution networks, further reducing transportation costs and enhancing competitiveness.

17. In this regard, the suggestions yesterday  that these hubs should be established in existing free trade zone areas is worthy of serious consideration. Free trade zones already offer significant advantages, such as tax incentives, reduced regulatory burdens, and access to markets. By leveraging these zones, we can accelerate the establishment of manufacturing hubs, reduce initial setup costs, and attract both local and foreign investments.

18. Additionally, empowering producers of key materials like cement to scale up their operations at their existing locations is another viable option. By providing targeted support to these producers, such as access to affordable financing, tax incentives, and infrastructure improvements, we can enable them to increase production capacity, lower costs, and meet the growing demand for building materials without the need for entirely new hubs. This approach not only reduces the cost and time required to deploy new hubs but also maximizes the use of existing resources and infrastructure.

19. We are taking this route because we recognize that local manufacturers of building materials face several challenges, including high production costs due to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to affordable financing, competition from imported materials, and inconsistent government policies and regulations.

20. These challenges have hindered the growth of the sector and limited its contribution to the economy. That is why we are taking proactive steps to create an enabling environment for local manufacturers.

21. Fiscal incentives are one of the most effective tools at our disposal. These incentives can include tax holidays or reduced tax rates for local manufacturers, customs duty waivers on the importation of machinery and raw materials, grants and subsidies to scale up production, access to affordable financing through low-interest loans, and public-private partnerships to drive innovation and growth. I am sure that more on this will be discussed at this session.

22. In conclusion, the development of fiscal incentives for manufacturers of local building materials is not just a policy option; it is a necessity for the growth of our economy and the realization of our housing goals.

23. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to a productive discussion.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.