Building collapse: FG tasks estate surveyors on stricter

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

To combat the escalating issue of building collapses in Nigeria, the Federal Government has instructed the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) to enhance property inspections. 

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa who gave the charge said the move was consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.

At the inauguration of the board in Abuja, Dangiwa reaffirmed that President Tinubu has mandated the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to drive significant transformation within the housing sector as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

He stressed the importance of all agencies, institutions, and parastatals under the ministry diligently fulfilling their roles to meet these objectives.

Dangiwa urged the board members to collaborate closely with developers to optimize resources and enhance housing affordability for Nigerians. He highlighted the critical role of estate surveyors in preventing building collapses by ensuring thorough property inspections and adherence to professional standards. This, he noted, is essential in safeguarding lives and protecting investments from the devastating impacts of building failures that have affected various regions of the country.

In response, Dosu Fatokun, Chairman of ESVARBON, appealed to the government to exempt the board from the zero-funding policy affecting some agencies. He underscored that this policy has hindered ESVARBON’s ability to perform its regulatory functions effectively. Fatokun proposed that ESVARBON be granted similar funding exemptions as those received by the 13 agencies under the Ministry of Health, which have allowed them to continue their vital work.

Earlier, Dangiwa called for the prosecution of those responsible for building collapses, stating that future offenders will face legal consequences. This position was reaffirmed during a review meeting of the ministry’s building collapse committee, in conjunction with other regulatory bodies in the built environment.