The Federal Government has announced the creation of task teams across all states to audit the properties and lands under the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as well as oversee the collection of ground rent on these assets.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shuaib Belgore, disclosed this in a statement on Friday following an interactive session with Federal Controllers of Housing from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Belgore, the task team will include the Federal Controller in each state, representatives from the state government, and the Federal Housing Authority, with the Surveyor-General of the Federation serving as Chairman.
He emphasized that the initiative is designed to enhance oversight and ensure efficiency in managing the Ministry’s assets.
“Field audits and professional oversight will ensure quality and efficiency,” Belgore stated.
He further stressed the importance of regular supervision and open communication among controllers to keep the Ministry informed on housing-related activities across different states.
To boost the task teams’ effectiveness, he assured that necessary resources would be provided to facilitate their work.
Additionally, a portion of the revenue generated from ground rent collection will be allocated for fieldwork and evaluation.
“The Ministry’s effectiveness depends significantly on the collaboration and dedication of its state housing controllers,” Belgore noted, highlighting that teamwork and diligence are key to achieving the Ministry’s goals.
Recognizing the critical role of Federal Controllers in coordinating housing projects, Belgore stated that hands-on field experience is essential for effective project management.
He also acknowledged human resource challenges within the Ministry, pointing out that many officers were nearing retirement.
To address this, he announced plans to engage experienced professionals and implement training and mentoring programmes, with Federal Controllers expected to play a leading role in guiding new officers.
During the session, Federal Controllers urged the Ministry to renew contracts for facility managers overseeing housing projects in various states, warning that failure to do so could leave project sites vulnerable to vandalism.
Earlier, the Director of Human Resources at the Ministry, Akinola Adeshina, explained that the meeting was convened at the request of the Permanent Secretary to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry’s headquarters and Federal Controllers.
