FG cracks down on unlicensed builders with new tribunal

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Builder’s Disciplinary Tribunal, a move aimed at reinforcing accountability within the building profession.

The ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja was presided over by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who underscored the importance of professional ethics in construction.

“Today, we mark a very important step towards strengthening accountability within the building profession in our dear country,” Dangiwa stated.

He emphasised that the tribunal represents a crucial mechanism to ensure compliance with professional standards, saying, “Those who fail to comply with these standards are held accountable.”

The formation of the tribunal comes in light of several recent building collapses, including a tragic incident last week in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory Abuja that claimed five lives.

“This is not an isolated case but part of a recurring pattern that demands our attention and decisive action,” Dangiwa noted, reflecting the urgent need for regulatory reform in the industry.

The tribunal is established under Sections 16 (1) and (2) of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004.

The Minister emphasised that it is designed not only to uphold professional standards but also to act as a guardian of public safety.

“It sends a strong message that negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry,” he added.

He aligned the initiative with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Chairman of the tribunal and also Chairman of the Council for Registered Builders of Nigeria, Dr. Samson Opaluwah, highlighted the tribunal’s role in enforcing ethical conduct among registered builders.

“This Tribunal is a critical part of the institutional framework established to ensure that society is protected against malfeasance,” he remarked.

He stressed the need for strict adherence to a “Code of Ethics and Professional Practice,” which mandates builders to act with integrity and to avoid practices that could undermine safety.

However, Opaluwah pointed out a significant challenge: “While we are committed to disciplining Registered Builders, there is still a huge number of quacks practising without licenses.”

He called for an expansion of regulations to encompass all practitioners in the construction sector, emphasising the necessity of legal frameworks that can address unlicensed builders.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by a director at the Ministry Mr. Olatunde Ajayi, welcomed the tribunal’s establishment as a vital step in enhancing regulatory frameworks within the building industry.

“This tribunal serves as a beacon of justice, ensuring that the building industry operates with the highest degree of transparency and integrity,” Ajayi said.

As the new tribunal members begin their tenure, Dangiwa urged them to act with diligence and professionalism.

“Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities with integrity and fairness,” he stated.

He added that the inauguration of the Builder’s Disciplinary Tribunal signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to combat unlicensed building practices and restore public trust in the construction industry. With a clear mandate to enforce professional standards, the tribunal aims to create a safer built environment for all Nigerians.