In response to the rising number of building collapses across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has initiated safety measures with a call for urgent actions to prioritise standard as a matter of national importance.
The director of planning, research and statistics at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Mohammed Bala Saulawa, announced the initiatives during the opening of the 13th National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development in Gombe.
This year’s theme, “Housing the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience, and Urban Development,” highlights the importance of housing accessibility and resilience in the face of climate change.
He said, “The government is focusing on a dual mission: making housing more affordable and reinforcing safety standards to prevent further building tragedies.
“To address recent incidents in Jos, Lagos, and Abuja, the Housing Minister has set up a high-level committee to investigate the root causes of these collapses. Early findings point to non-compliance with building regulations and widespread use of substandard materials.”
He said Housing Tribunal has been launched to strictly enforce new policies, with strict penalties for those who fail to meet safety standards.
“Beyond addressing building safety, the Ministry is also tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit. Partnering with the National Population Commission, the Ministry is compiling accurate data on housing needs across the country,” he added.
The director said this effort is part of a national housing survey, which is expected to provide key insights by the end of 2024.
He said in preparation for the Council meeting, over 60 government and private sector organisations submitted memos offering their perspectives on housing challenges, noting that, “Eight critical issues have been prioritized, including the threat of building collapses to human life.”
Also speaking Gombe state Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, Maijama’a Kallah, announced ongoing housing projects, including the construction of 550 units in partnership with Family Homes and the North East Development Commission.
He added that most of the housing units were near completion, with only the final stages of road network construction pending.
“With these initiatives, the Nigerian government is making strides towards safer, more accessible housing, aiming to protect lives and support sustainable urban growth,” he said.
