Dangiwa Calls for Excellence, Dispute-Free Construction Industry   *  says ICIArb provides a robust framework for resolving disputes   * dispute-free culture in construction industry ensures timely housing, infrastructure projects delivery  Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to fostering a dispute-free environment in Nigeria’s construction industry.    The Minister made this assertion while receiving members of the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb), at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja today.   The Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb), is a leading arbitral institution dedicated to resolving disputes in Nigeria’s construction sector.    The minister acknowledged the institute’s expertise in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, saying that it provides a robust framework for resolving disputes in a timely, cost-effective, and amicable manner.    “By promoting a culture of dispute-free construction, we can ensure that our housing and infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, he stated.   Dangiwa made reference to the approval for the insertion of the ICIArb arbitration clause in building contracts during the 12th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development held in Kaduna State, saying it was a notable milestone in the collective efforts to streamline dispute resolution mechanisms in the construction industry.   According to the Minister, the clause applies to building contracts, tenancy agreements, leases, and facility management contracts to reduce litigation and ensure smoother project execution.   While emphasizing that delays caused by bureaucracy and contractors prioritizing financial gains over project completion often leads to cost overruns and budget inefficiencies, Dangiwa assured that the ministry was implementing strategies to ensure timely project execution and delivery.   Accordingly, he called for stronger partnerships among relevant stakeholders in the built environment so as to create enabling environment for the construction industry, pointing out that capacity-building initiatives and public awareness campaigns would drive industry excellence and efficiency.   Speaking earlier, the President of the ICIArb, Chief Felix Okereke Onyeri, requested partnership with Ministry in order to promote seamless dispute resolution culture in the housing sector.   He sought the Minister's support in implementing the Institute's arbitration clause in building contracts, as approved by the 12th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development; and as well, offered collaboration to ensure compliance to the content of the clause by ministries and agencies.   ...

Dangiwa Underscores Importance of Collaboration, Innovation to Addressing Challenges of Urbanisation Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has underscored the relevance of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges of urbanisation.   Dangiwa spoke during a meeting with delegates from Hip City Innovation Centre, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, Wednesday, 5th February, 2025.   HipCity Innovation Centre is a research, development and advocacy organization that focuses on strengthening youth and community resilience, fostering active citizen participation in democratic processes. They are also a member of the World Urban Campaign (UN-Habitat affiliate) and Making Cities Resilient MCR2030   The minister expressed readiness of the Ministry to partner with youth organizations in order to harness their talents and ideas, which would contribute to the creation of resilient cities and urban centers equitable and prosperous for all.   While recognizing the youths as the largest demographic and the drivers of change in Nigeria, the Minister commended their commitment to sustainable urban and housing development in Nigeria, pointing out the significance of their energy, creativity, and passion to the shaping of cities and communities.   He commended the initiative of the delegation to form a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, saying that it aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s vision of inclusive and participatory governance, where every citizen has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.   Explaining further, Dangiwa recalled  “The 2024 World Cities Day event and the World Urban Forum in Cairo were important moments for us as a Ministry. They reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of urbanization”   Stating the opportunities and challenges presented by the growth of Nigeria’s cities, the Minister acknowledged that the young people as the dominant population of city dwellers have a unique perspective on the issues affecting urban areas, from housing affordability to transportation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.   Arc. Dangiwa further assured of his commitment as the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, to inclusive urbanization, as well as the Ministry’s openness to the idea of a Youth Advisory Board.   “We will work with you to holistically review the concept that you have proposed, make necessary inputs so that it is transparent, inclusive and sustainable”, he promised.   On their part, the Executive Director of the  HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE, Bassey Bassey, requested the Ministry to consider the constitution of a Youth Advisory Board to ensure youth participation in housing and urban development policy making, in order for their insights, priorities, and innovative ideas to reflect in national strategies.   He commended the leadership of the Minister as the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, particularly in the area of strategic plan for 2026-2029 which focuses on areas like adequate housing, issues of land, transformation of informal settlement and slum, among others.   While referencing the existence of the Youth Advisory Board at the UN Habitat level, Mr Bassey emphasized on the need for the Board at the National level, while further expressing desire for the Board to be set up within the shortest possible time in order to position the Nigerian Youths to contribute to global conversation and take local action when the strategic plan at the global level kickstarts in the year 2026.   Highlight of the visit, was the presentation of a research publication by the HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE on Abuja as a city for Hub. ...

Belgore Receives ARCON's Leadership, Pledges closer collaboration    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore has played host to the leadership of the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) on a visit to the Ministry, pledging to work closely with them to move the housing sector forward.   Dr Belgore, in his remarks, affirmed the importance of  Architects in nation building, saying architects turned inhabitable sites to beautiful cities for human beings to live.    He expressed his happiness to the delegation, that the lingering disputes among the professional bodies in the built environment has been resolved amicably, adding that the housing sector was now professionally stronger to deliver services.   On the closer collaboration, Belgore stated "I understand that when it comes to any structure, building, architects are extremely important, therefore you can be assured of my cooperation."    While reminding them of the ministry's projects; such as the National Housing Program and the Renewed Hope Housing Projects, he told them that he would continue to seek more clarification from their end, assuring that the Ministry will work closely with them to succeed.   Comparing the current city of Abuja to what it was when it was first created as the Nigeria's capital, Dr Belgore said that Architects had turned a forest to a beautiful liveable city through their expertise, noting that their role in nation building was very visible for everyone to see.   Speaking earlier, the ARCON President, Arch. Dipo Ajayi, who led a high - powered delegation of architects from various fields, emphasized the importance of collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s built environment.   Arch Ajayi highlighted that tapping into the wealth of experience of the Permanent Secretary would significantly impact the architectural landscape, enabling growth and innovation.    " Collaborating with the Ministry and leveraging the Permanent Secretary's expertise will take architecture to new heights and redefine Nigeria’s landscape," he stated.   Reaffirming ARCON’s readiness to contribute, Arc. Ajayi expressed the council’s willingness to assist the Ministry in any capacity, urging the Permanent Secretary to empower architects by entrusting them with assignments that would allow them to execute and implement projects effectively.   "We are ready to support the Ministry in every possible way. We seek empowerment that will enable us to maximize our potential in executing and implementing architectural projects for national development," he added.   The meeting underscores ARCON’s dedication to fostering a strong partnership with the government to ensure architectural policies and projects align with the nation’s developmental goals. ...