|
Listen to article
|
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has strongly condemned the frequent building collapses occurring across the country, warning that those who fail to adhere to building codes will face strict penalties. The ministry emphasized the need for stronger enforcement to curb this alarming trend.
Speaking on Monday, Mohammed Bala, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, shared that measures are actively being put in place to address the alarming rise in building collapses, with efforts currently underway to combat the crisis.
While in Gombe, Mohammed Bala made this important revelation during the opening ceremony of a five-day gathering of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. The event, themed “Housing the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience, and Urban Development,” is aimed at exploring solutions for housing challenges in the country.
Bala affirmed that the Federal Government is dedicating considerable resources to tackling this pressing issue, with a strong focus on minimizing its harmful effects on the lives of citizens.
He explained, “The council is the highest body in policy-making for the lands, housing and urban development.
“We had asked for memos to be submitted around three months ago on concerns around housing development in the country.
“Over 60 organisations responded to the various topics on the themes we forwarded to provide inputs into how to resolve or improve the issue of the housing sector.”
Lamenting the incessant building collapse, Bala said, “Building collapse is not only about the house but about the lives of the people.
“If you care about the lives of the people, you must consider the issue of collapse. I have never seen instances where buildings collapse and you don’t lose property and lives, or people sustaining injuries.
“The problem of building collapse is a very serious issue. Mr President has seriously challenged the issue of building collapse, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, even set up a committee on the issue of building code.”
Read also: Argentina Hotel Collapse: One Dead, Many Still Trapped
Speaking further, Bala said, “They have made presentations and you have seen in our programme that we have two sessions where issues of building collapse would be discussed.
“Experts have been invited to make presentations on that issue. It will be deliberated, discussed and reviewed and policies will be taken that will take effect in the entire country.
“In 2023, and 2024 we had the one in Jos, Lagos, and Abuja. Many buildings collapsed in the period. The one reported by the media is the one we know, but it’s happening every day, resulting from natural causes, non-adherence to building codes, and the use of substandard products.
“The Federal Government is trying to resolve it to ensure this is minimised.”
He added “The minister has been emphasising sanctions in every meeting.
“Recently, the tribunal for this housing was inaugurated and he said there should not be undue consideration, anyone who violates any code, or law should be sanctioned.”
According to Dr. Usman Kallamu, the Gombe State Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, the event would give stakeholders a unique opportunity to recognize how integral affordable housing is to stimulating economic development.
“It is pertinent to note that our collective goal is to provide opportunity for every individual to have access to safe, decent and affordable housing.”
Dr. Kallamu highlighted the Gombe State government’s strong push towards the Renewed Hope housing agenda, noting that the state has allocated a significant sum in its 2024 budget for infrastructure, particularly housing units. This funding is part of collaborative efforts with the North-East Development Commission and Family Home Funds Limited.
He pointed out that this initiative reflects a central pillar of the Gombe State Development Plan 2020-2030, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, support sustainable industrial growth, and encourage innovation.
