The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced plans to establish Task Teams in every state to conduct a comprehensive audit of its properties and land while overseeing the collection of ground rent.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore made this disclosure during an interactive session with the 36 state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Controllers of Housing at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He explained that the Task Teams would be composed of the State Controller, representatives from the State and Federal Housing Authorities, and chaired by the Surveyor-General of the Federation.
To ensure the success of this initiative, Dr. Belgore assured the controllers of the Ministry’s commitment “to providing necessary resources, emphasising that a portion of the revenue generated would be allocated for fieldwork and evaluation.”
He said; “Regular field audits and professional oversight will enhance quality and efficiency,” he stated, adding that continuous supervision and open communication would facilitate timely updates to the headquarters.”
Collaboration
Dr. Belgore urged state controllers to embrace teamwork, stressing that collaboration, dedication, and high-quality project execution are essential for achieving the Ministry’s objectives.
“The effectiveness of the Ministry largely depends on the commitment and coordination of state housing controllers,” he said, recognising their vital role in executing projects efficiently.
Dr. Belgore also underscored the importance of hands-on field experience, noting that effective project management is best learned through active on-site engagement.
Additionally, he stated plans for training and mentoring new officers, particularly as the Ministry faces capacity challenges due to retiring personnel.
To address this, Dr. Belgore announced plans to recruit experienced professionals and implement training programs, leveraging the expertise of Federal Controllers.
Addressing Operational Challenges
The Federal Controllers urged the Ministry to renew contracts for facility managers overseeing state projects to prevent vandalism by miscreants.
The Director of Human Resources, Akinola Adeshina explained that the meeting was convened at the request of the Permanent Secretary to strengthen coordination between the headquarters and Federal Controllers.”
This engagement, he noted, is part of a proactive strategy to tackle operational challenges and enhance efficiency at both federal and state levels.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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