The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced the creation of a dedicated task team in each state to oversee the audit of its properties and lands, as well as manage the collection of ground rent. This initiative aims to improve asset management and ensure efficiency in the Ministry’s operations across Nigeria.
Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, made the announcement following an interactive session with Federal Controllers of Housing from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He revealed that the task team will consist of Federal Controllers, representatives from state governments, and the Federal Housing Authority, with the Surveyor-General of the Federation acting as Chairman.
Belgore emphasized that the goal of this task team is to improve oversight and management of the Ministry’s properties through field audits and professional supervision. “Field audits and professional oversight will ensure quality and efficiency,” he said, adding that constant communication among the Controllers would be key to keeping the Ministry up-to-date on housing-related matters across Nigeria.
As part of the initiative, Belgore assured that resources would be allocated to support the task team’s efforts, with a portion of the revenue generated from ground rent collection being used to fund the necessary fieldwork and evaluations.
The collaboration among Federal Controllers, state housing authorities, and the Ministry is expected to drive better management of the country’s housing assets.
Belgore also acknowledged the challenges facing the Ministry, particularly with regard to human resources. With many officers nearing retirement, he revealed plans to recruit experienced professionals and implement training programs for new officers. Federal Controllers will also be tasked with mentoring younger staff to ensure continuity and effective project execution.
During the session, Controllers raised concerns about the renewal of contracts for facility managers overseeing housing projects. They warned that failure to renew these contracts could expose housing projects to risks of vandalism, urging the Ministry to take prompt action.
This new initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to improving housing infrastructure, enhancing the management of public assets, and ensuring that housing projects are effectively supervised across the country.