Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, emphasizes the critical responsibility of estate surveyors in preventing building collapses.

To address the growing problem of building collapses in Nigeria, the Federal Government has directed the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) to intensify property inspections.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, issued this directive, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.

During the board's inauguration in Abuja, Dangiwa reiterated that President Tinubu has tasked the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with driving substantial changes in the housing sector as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized the need for all agencies, institutions, and parastatals under the ministry to fully commit to achieving these goals.

Dangiwa also urged the board members to work closely with developers to maximize resources and improve housing affordability for Nigerians. He highlighted the crucial role of estate surveyors in preventing building collapses through rigorous property inspections and adherence to professional standards. This, he pointed out, is vital for safeguarding lives and protecting investments from the catastrophic consequences of building failures, which have plagued various regions of the country.

In response, ESVARBON Chairman Dosu Fatokun appealed to the government to exempt the board from the zero-funding policy that has affected some agencies. He noted that this policy has significantly hindered ESVARBON’s ability to carry out its regulatory functions effectively. Fatokun suggested that ESVARBON receive the same funding exemptions as the 13 agencies under the Ministry of Health, enabling it to continue its critical work.

Earlier, Dangiwa called for the prosecution of individuals responsible for building collapses, warning that future offenders will face legal action. This stance was reiterated during a review meeting of the ministry’s building collapse committee, in collaboration with other regulatory bodies in the construction sector.