Ministry Reaffirms Commitment To High-Quality Construction Standards

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Shuaib Belgore, has reiterated the ministry’s dedication to fostering collaboration and cultivating a culture of diligence to maintain high-quality standards within the construction industry.

Dr Belgore made this statement while welcoming the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) during a courtesy visit,

He assured the institute that the Ministry would offer necessary support to enhance the sector.

In addressing the protracted dispute that has obstructed the registration of architects for nearly a decade, Dr Belgore has pledged to prioritize efforts aimed at resolving this issue expeditiously.

Responding to NIA’s concerns regarding housing deficits, sustainable urban planning, affordable housing, and community engagement, Belgore acknowledged that these issues align with the Ministry’s presidential deliverables.

He encouraged the institute to continue partnering with the Ministry to achieve shared goals.

“We are building schools, and we want to have a situation where every artisan has a certification,” he disclosed.

He noted that the Ministry is working on standardizing certification for construction artisans.

Additionally, Belgore explored the possibility of establishing a dedicated agency responsible for issuing building material standard certificates.

Highlighting the importance of teamwork, he emphasized that excellence in service delivery would drive progress within both the Ministry and the country.

Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mobolaji Adeniyi reaffirmed the institute’s dedication to tackling Nigeria’s housing and urban development challenges through strategic collaboration with the Ministry.

Adeniyi stressed the significance of effective partnerships in addressing the housing deficit, noting the institute’s commitment to introducing innovative designs, promoting sustainable materials, and fostering community engagement to create more inclusive and resilient urban environments.

As part of measures to enhance quality and safety in the construction industry, Adeniyi proposed transferring the oversight of the Building Materials Standards Organization from the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Adeniyo stated that such a move would strengthen regulatory oversight, combat the proliferation of substandard materials, and reduce the frequency of building collapses across the country.