Housing Ministry Enforces Discipline on Contractors Handling Federal Projects
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has issued a firm directive to contractors engaged in federal housing projects nationwide: deliver within agreed timelines or face sanctions, including blacklisting, termination of contracts, recovery of funds, and potential prosecution.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, delivered the warning in Abuja during a meeting with contractors and directors of key project departments. The session was convened to accelerate delivery, enforce compliance, and ensure accountability in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Strict Sanctions for Non-Performance
Belgore stated that contractors who fail to meet obligations would face severe consequences such as forfeiture of performance guarantees, recovery of mobilisation funds, and referral to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“This forum is a clear signal that the era of excuses is over. Timely delivery is not negotiable. The government will safeguard its investments and demand full value for every project,” Belgore said.
He assured contractors performing according to terms that payments would be promptly processed once due diligence is completed.
Verification and Oversight Measures
As part of the renewed enforcement drive, ministry officials will embark on site inspections to verify progress and address legitimate concerns raised by contractors. This initiative aims to strengthen monitoring, reduce delays, and restore confidence in project delivery mechanisms.
Director of Public Buildings, Pemi Temitope, explained that several firms had received mobilisation funds since 2024 but had yet to submit a valuation of works, a critical step in contract monitoring. He noted that the meeting was designed to realign expectations, renew commitments, and reinforce compliance obligations.
Some firms highlighted external challenges affecting progress, including delayed payments, adverse weather conditions, and incidents of site vandalism. These concerns, while acknowledged, did not exempt contractors from their contractual obligations, according to ministry officials.
Commitment to Renewed Hope Housing Agenda
Belgore reaffirmed the ministry’s resolve to deliver affordable and accessible housing for Nigerians, emphasising that discipline, transparency, and timely execution are essential to achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.
“The delivery of housing projects is a central pillar of this administration’s agenda. To succeed, all stakeholders government, contractors, and communities must commit to professionalism, accountability, and results,” he stated.
