Housing Minister Inaugurates Expanded Ministerial Task Team on Building Collapse   * says issues of building collapse deeply interconnected, not responsibility of any one profession   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has inaugurated an expanded Ministerial Task Team on building collapse in Nigeria, Wednesday, 18th June, 2025.   The expanded Task Team comprises representatives of key Professional bodies and Regulatory agencies in the built environment, as well as professional staff of technical departments of the ministry   The Professional bodies and Regulatory agencies that were included in the task team are;  i) Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) ii. Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) iii. Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) iv. Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) v. Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) vi. Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) vii. Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), and  viii. Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG).   Dangiwa, in his remarks, frowned at the alarming frequency of building collapse incidents in Nigeria, describing it as unacceptable and a national embarrassment.   “These avoidable tragedies have led to the painful loss of innocent lives, permanent disability for survivors, destruction of property, and irreparable psychological trauma for families”, he lamented.   Expressing the eagerness of the government to end the menace, the Minister stated that, he had earlier last year approved for the constitution of a Committee on Building Collapse in Nigeria to examine the root causes of the problem and propose practical and sustainable solutions   He informed that the committee, under the leadership of Arch. Maji Liberty Alkali submitted its report, proposing eighteen (18) key recommendations.    Dangiwa further informed that he subsquently directed that the committee be expanded to include key regulatory and professional bodies in the built environment, to allow for a  broad-based implementation, pointing out that the issue of building collapse was not the responsibility of any one profession but a deeply interconnected challenge that cuts across architecture, engineering, quantity surveying, town planning, land surveying, among others.   Underscoring the relevance of the expanded committee, the Minister stressed on the need for a holistic approach and collaborations across all professions in the building process.   He remarked that Architects must ensure that designs meet safety standards, Engineers must guarantee that structural calculations are sound, Quantity surveyors must confirm that costs and material specifications align, Builders must execute construction with integrity, and more.   The Terms of Reference for the reconstituted committee includes; examining the eighteen approved recommendations and advising the Ministry on phased and effective strategies for their implementation, developing a comprehensive roadmap for addressing systemic, technical, legal, and institutional challenges associated with building collapse.   Others according to the Minister are; proposing a national legislation to strengthen effective oversight of the federal government on building construction, as well as designing a compliance checklist and framework for regulatory and professional bodies to enhance oversight, promote accountability, and ensure adherence to standards and ethics in building construction and approvals.   Arc. Dangiwa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to support the committee’s work; “I have directed the Permanent Secretary to ensure that the necessary resources and coordination mechanisms are put in place to enable you deliver on your mandate”, he said.   “Once your roadmap and action plan are submitted, I will work closely with relevant arms of government, both at the federal and subnational levels, to ensure the seamless implementation of your recommendations. We will also explore the possibility of integrating key aspects of your work into national housing and urban development policies and regulations”, he further added.   Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, expressed gratitude to the committee members for honouring the call to service; acknowledging their diverse expertise and institutional experience which is crucial to achieving the Committee’s Terms of Reference.   “As you are inaugurated today, we look forward to the emergence of a clear roadmap for strengthening structural integrity, enforcement, professional ethics, and accountability across the building and construction value chain. Let this Committee be remembered not just for diagnosing problems, but for driving change that saves lives and secures infrastructure”, he charged.   Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the committee members, the Chairman,  Arc. Umaru Usman Karaye, FNIA, representing Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), expressed profound gratitude for the honour of being appointed as members of the building collapse committee.   He thanked the Minister for his efforts to address the long-standing, disturbing issue which the committee has been constituted to tackle, as well as the Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary for their supporting roles.   Arc Usman Karaye equally appreciated the various professional regulatory bodies for nominating their members to serve, ephasising the importance and urgency of the assignment and expressing commitment to working with all stakeholders.   Accordingly, he conveyed the excitement of the committee to collaborate and find a comprehensive solution to the embarrassing incidences of building collapse in the country, and looking foward to a close working collaboration with the management of the ministry to immediately address the challenge. ...

“UN-HABITAT IS A VALUED PARTNER FOR THE RENEWED HOPE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AGENDA” – WALE EDUN, MINISTER OF FINANCE   Thursday, June 5, 2025: The Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has assured that the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a valued partner for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as it implements the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.    He commended the advisory role of the UN agency and the provision of technical assistance as critical inputs for efficient urban governance and sustainable development. He also affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the institution and fulfilling its financial obligations to enable it play a stronger role in assisting the Ministry.   The Minister stated this when the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, paid him a courtesy visit to introduce Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, the Senior Human Settlements Officer and Head of the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub of UN-Habitat, on Thursday, June 5, 2025.   In his remarks, Arc. Dangiwa emphasized that Nigeria’s partnership with UN-Habitat is not only strategic but essential. He noted that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—which prioritizes housing, land reforms, urban regeneration, and inclusive growth—UN-Habitat offers a globally connected, technically grounded, and capable platform for support.   He cited the successful collaboration between the Ministry and UN-Habitat on the recently approved revised National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) as a testament to what is possible when national efforts align with global expertise. “That collaboration demonstrated what’s possible when we work hand-in-hand with a partner whose mission aligns closely with our national priorities,” the Minister stated.   Looking ahead, Arc. Dangiwa highlighted UN-Habitat’s readiness to deepen engagement with Nigeria in several key areas, including slum upgrading, climate-smart urban planning, land administration, capacity building, and even co-financing of urban renewal projects. He called for a “whole-of-government approach” to unlock the full potential of the collaboration.   “What we are building is not just another partnership,” Dangiwa said. “It is a long-term development alliance with a UN agency uniquely positioned to help us deliver results at scale, in line with both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Renewed Hope vision of Mr. President.”   Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero commended Nigeria for the recent approval of the revised National Urban Development Policy, describing it as a progressive step toward sustainable urbanisation. He expressed UN-Habitat’s satisfaction with the development and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to support the Nigerian government in the implementation of the policy.   Mr. Spaliviero also lauded the Nigeria Land Registration, Documentation and Titling Programme (NLRDTP), highlighting its importance in achieving inclusive and well-managed urban growth. He noted that UN-Habitat possesses the technical expertise and global experience necessary to support the successful implementation of the programme, which is critical to improving land governance and economic development.   Arc. Dangiwa concluded by thanking the Hon. Minister of Finance for his continued support, particularly in helping the Ministry meet its international obligations, align financing frameworks, and facilitate resource mobilisation to deepen the collaboration with UN-Habitat.   ...

FG  Seeks Strategic Support with UN-Habitat On National Urban Development Policy   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called for deeper collaboration and implementation support from UN-Habitat as Nigeria enters a crucial phase in operationalizing its newly reviewed National Urban Development Policy (NUDP).    Dangiwa made the call during his meeting with the representative of the Regional UN- Habitat office, Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero   While appreciating the presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization by the UN-Habitat team, describing it as “eye-opening and inspiring,”  the Minister also commended the agency for its strategic partnership and technical guidance in the development of the reviewed NUDP.    He noted that the UN-Habitat presentation reaffirmed Nigeria’s ongoing urban renewal initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   "You came and did a wonderful presentation.  For us, it has opened our eyes because, as you are aware, Nigeria is undergoing a transformation in the housing and urban development sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he remarked.   Arc Dangiwa also informed that this major milestone was recorded last week with the Federal Executive Council's approval of the reviewed National Urban Development Policy, noting that it was developed in close collaboration with UN-Habitat.   He highlighted the administration’s commitment to delivering thousands of housing units through the development of Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates and Renewed Hope Social Housing, ensuring inclusive access for all income levels.    He further noted that the ministry has embarked on a National Slum Upgrade and Urban Renewal Programme, that targets vulnerable urban communities across the country, affirming that the presentation came at the right time.   He hailed the policy as a forward-thinking framework designed to guide Nigeria’s urban growth in line with global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, New Urban Agenda and climate action imperatives.   "The policy provides a clear and forward-looking framework for guiding urban growth in Nigeria. It is in harmony with the SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and our commitments on climate change,” he said.   Accordingly, the NUDP will be disseminated to State Governments to enable them domesticate the Policy in their respective states, and Ministries of Works, Environments and institutions, who may need the Ministry’s guidance.   Arc. Dangiwa emphasized that while the policy development phase has been successfully concluded, the real challenges lies in its implementation, appealing to UN-Habitat to transition from being a policy support partner to an implementation partner capable of providing institutional capacity and technical expertise.   "We need the right expertise and institutional support to implement this policy successfully. We still want to count on UN-Habitat, not just as a support expert but as an implementation partner. We will also require your help in recommending experts who can work with the Ministry in translating it to tangible measureable outputs at both the federal and state levels,” he stated.   The Minister also referenced ongoing efforts by the ministry in partnership with the World Bank on a National Land Registration, Documentation, and Titling Programme, aimed at addressing the issue of untitled land, which affects over 90 percent of land nationwide.    He welcomed UN-Habitat’s Strategic Action Plan on improving land governance, titling, and administration, and expressed Nigeria’s interest in technical support, pilot implementations and capacity building initiatives in selected states.   “This presentation has given us hope. One of the most inspiring aspects was your use of streets as a tool for urban transformation in slums. It shows that transforming a cluster of slums can transform an entire city,” he said.   Additionally, while affirming the Ministry’s Commitment to a continued collaboration with UN- Habitat, the World Bank and other strategic partners, Arc Dangiwa noted that the Ministry was on the right path with its  slum upgrade and urban renewal programmes.   Furthermore, Arc. Dangiwa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to UN-Habitat’s vision, including the clearance of outstanding financial obligations.   Earlier in his visual presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization, the UN- Habitat Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, emphasized that proper financial planning, effective rules and regulations, as well as proper planning and design are fundamental to the successful implementation of the slum upgrade program. ...