Property

National Building Code is like a toothless bulldog without NASS backing

Published

5 years ago

January 26, 2021

Mr Alih Ogwu Hassan is a chartered builder and President of Rotary Club, Omole Golden. In this exclusive interview with Associate Editor, Dada Jackson, he bares his mind on the National Building Code and building college, among other topical issues. Excerpts.

What is your take on the issue of incessant building collapse across the country?

Thank you very much for this all-important question. The issue of building collapse is one of the most difficult challenges facing construction professionals. It is a worrisome development which needs to be addressed urgently. Over the years, buildings have continued to collapse and now it is time to take the bull by the horns. Professionals in the built environment have been brainstorming on way out of this quagmire. Let me make it abundantly clear here that buildings that are yet to be put in place can equally collapse. You may want to ask me, how. This can happen from the design stage. If there is an error in the design process, you are bound to have a defective structure which may likely collapse.

How do we stem this ugly tide?

The way out of this ugly phenomenon is located in two broad aspects. First, government has a role to play; and second, we as professionals equally have our own role to play. On the government part, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria(SON) should wake up to its responsibility by ensuring that quality building materials are allowed into the country by importers of building materials. They should insist on monitoring the types of materials that are imported into the country. Officials of the agency should censor the materials that come into the market. By so doing, the developers who patronise these markets would be availed with quality materials instead of substandard ones. On the part of the professionals, the right professionals should be engaged in the construction process to avoid building collapse.

It should be pointed out here that another factor that should be urgently addressed is the desire to maximise profits on the part of businessmen also known as developers who engage in construction. This quest for profit sometimes leads to cutting corners by using substandard materials, thereby endangering the lives of the people.

What is your take on the National Building Code that is taking eternity to come to pass?

It is something that as construction experts, we have been agitating for over the years. Let me make it abundantly clear that without the backing of the National Assembly, the NBC will just be like a toothless bulldog. The draft code needs to be urgently looked into by members of NASS with a view to giving it a speedy passage if only the country cares about mitigating the effects of building collapse in the country. The NBC is a beautiful document which defines the role of each professional in the built environment.

What do you think is stalling it from seeing the light of day?

A lot of interests are involved but the most important of these is the issue of having businessmen and some powerful politicians going into the construction business. Since the code defines the roles of each professional in the construction process there is the tendency for those who are not core professionals to wanting to stall its passage. My plea is that politics should not be allowed to stall this beautiful document which is like a Bible to professionals in the built environment.

Do you subscribe to the view that there should a resident builder at construction sites?

Yes, absolutely. This is very germane to the construction process. With a resident builder at any construction site, there is the likelihood or at least a tendency for minimal fear of an impending building collapse because his presence would ensure that the right things are done and the tendency to wanting to cut corners by the developer would be largely minimised, if not totally curtailed. So, I am in total agreement with the school of thought which advocates that a resident builder must always be at construction sites.

Is there any rift amongst the professionals in the built environment as to who leads the process?

Not that I know; there is no need for that because each professional’s role is clearly defined. There is no need for any tussle as to who leads the team.

Related Topics:Interview National Building Code

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Property

Sanwo-Olu reintroduces Building Permit Amnesty to help Lagos property owners regularise structures

Published

1 month ago

November 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Sanwo-Olu reintroduces Building Permit Amnesty to help Lagos property owners regularise structures

In response to growing public demand, the Lagos State Government has reintroduced its Planning Permit Amnesty Programme—a relief initiative that allows property owners to regularise unapproved buildings without paying statutory penal fees.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, announced the renewed scheme on Tuesday in Alausa, stating that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the amnesty following appeals from residents who missed previous windows.

Olumide explained that this marks the third time the Sanwo-Olu administration is granting such an opportunity, underscoring the governor’s commitment to inclusive and people-oriented urban development.

According to him, the latest amnesty window will run for 61 days—from November 1 to December 31, 2025—and provides a final chance for owners of existing but unapproved buildings to obtain planning permits and avoid legal or enforcement actions.

Sanwo-Olu reintroduces Building Permit Amnesty to help Lagos property owners regularise structures

Property

HDAN compiles uncompleted housing projects nationwide

Published

10 months ago

February 7, 2025

Trends Admin

HDAN compiles uncompleted housing projects nationwide

By Dada Jackson

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has commenced the compilation of unoccupied/uncompleted housing projects across various states in Nigeria.

It says the initiative is aimed at addressing the growing concern of abandoned and underutilized housing estates.

It has set a target of four months to make available a compilation of all such identified projects.

It noted in a statement obtained on Friday that many of the houses had remained vacant due to infrastructural deficiencies, wrong location (building in the outskirt of town), poor allocation processes, lack of access roads and regulatory challenges.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, in Abuja.

According to him, the organization, which comprises over 5,000 professionals in the housing and construction sector, is taking a proactive approach to tackling Nigeria’s housing crisis.

“We have seen too many housing projects left unoccupied due to issues such as poor infrastructure, wrong location, high costs, and inefficient allocation processes.

“HDAN is determined to compile a comprehensive list of these estates and work towards practical solutions,” Adebayo stated.

HDAN has been at the forefront of advocating housing sector reforms. And in 2025, the organization is intensifying its efforts by setting up various committees focused on policy lobbying.

Adebayo noted that the group was pushing for amendments to outdated housing-related laws such as the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Act, and the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act.

“We are also looking at the possibility of a legal framework that will back social housing and recognize the right of citizens to affordable shelter,” he added.

As part of its broader efforts, HDAN is also working towards strengthening research and intelligence in the housing sector.

The statement also said the organisation had committed to supporting the National Housing Data Centre Steering Committee to ensure the collection of accurate and reliable data that will inform policies and investments in the sector.

One of HDAN’s major concerns is the deteriorating condition of many housing estates built under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

According to Adebayo, these estates are often in bad shape due to lack of maintenance and ineffective management structures.

He emphasized that making the allocation process more transparent and improving affordability would encourage more residents to occupy them.

Several reports have highlighted the challenges faced by unoccupied housing projects in Nigeria.

“Some of these housing projects are located in areas with inadequate infrastructure, such as poor road networks, unreliable water supply, and lack of electricity, making them unattractive to potential occupants,” an industry report noted.

“Other issues include poor urban planning, where government or private-built estates are situated too far from employment hubs, social amenities, and transportation links.

“In the course of this compilation, HDAN will be reaching out to all financiers and developers that are concerned in these projects.

“Additionally, cumbersome allocation and purchasing processes have discouraged potential buyers.

“The absence of effective policies and regulations, coupled with an uncoordinated allocation system, has led to illegal occupation of some housing estates, undermining the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing,” Adebayo stated.

HDAN has also noted that many estates suffer from issues such as bad roads, lack of perimeter fencing, shortage of reticulated water supply, and poor landscaping.

These factors are said to further discourage prospective residents from moving into the available homes.

Adebayo reiterated HDAN’s commitment to encouraging social housing development and advocating for the government to construct more housing estates in urban and rural areas.

“We need housing that is closer to the people, well-planned, and affordable. The government must take deliberate steps to ensure these homes are not just built but are also livable,” he stated.

With HDAN’s nationwide housing project compilation underway, stakeholders in the housing sector are hopeful that this effort will provide actionable insights that will lead to better housing policies, improved infrastructure, and increased occupancy rates in existing estates.

Property

Over 500 participants for 2025 Africa Int’l housing show in Abuja

Published

10 months ago

February 3, 2025

Trends Admin

Over 500 participants for 2025 Africa Int’l housing show in Abuja

More than 500 participants will attend the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) 2025 holding at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton, Abuja from the 26th to the 31st of July, 2025.

With high-profile exhibitors and representation from 21 countries, AIHS will provide an unparalleled platform for networking, showcasing innovative housing solutions, and fostering partnerships in the real estate sector.

The event, known as Africa’s largest housing and construction gathering, will bring together key players from various markets, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, to explore real estate investment opportunities and housing finance models that can drive sustainable development across the continent.

Speaking on the choice of Transcorp Hilton as the venue for AIHS 2025, Festus Adebayo, the event convener, emphasized that AIHS is not just an exhibition but a movement towards advancing affordable housing, urban transformation, and technological innovation.

He highlighted the show’s role in creating wealth, generating employment, and enhancing housing policies to meet Africa’s growing urbanization needs.

According to him, Nigeria’s strategic position and business-friendly policies reinforce AIHS as the premier destination, AIHS continues to be the premier destination for investors seeking sustainable housing and infrastructure opportunities.

AIHS 2025 will also serve as a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, forge new collaborations, and strengthen the investment ecosystem, aligning with Africa’s development agenda.

To register, exhibit, network, and secure business opportunities, interested persons are told to visit www.africahousingshow.co.