The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has inaugurated a seven-member Disciplinary Tribunal for Registered Builders of Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a recent statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Salis Haiba.
The statement noted that the disciplinary tribunal was charged with the duty of considering and determining any case of infraction by the members referred to it by the panel established by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria.
In his inauguration speech, the minister was said to have expressed the ministry’s dedication to collaborating with professional bodies and regulatory agencies in the built environment, to ensure it meets global standards.
“The tribunal is a part of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, empowered with the duty of upholding the standards of the building profession, as well as guarding public safety.
“The inauguration is facilitated by sections 16 (1) and (2) of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004 which guides the establishment of the tribunal,” Dangiwa said.
While acknowledging the responsibility of builders to construct safe and reliable structures that protect lives, the minister emphasised the importance of adhering to regulations and standards in the profession.
He warned of the catastrophic consequences of compromising safety.
“I have always believed that establishing structures, systems, and procedures that enforce adherence to professional standards and ethics is crucial,” he added.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the recurring pattern of building collapses across the country, citing the tragic incident that recently occurred in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He further stated that the builders’ disciplinary tribunal was designed to take decisive action on issues concerning gaps in enforcement and professional diligence in the building industry.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Dangiwa commended the CORBON for its collaborative engagement with the ministry in providing a list of qualified nominees, further charging members of the tribunal to uphold the trust and credibility of the building profession by ensuring that disciplinary cases are managed with integrity, and fairness and transparency.
“Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities with the diligence and professionalism that this mandate requires,” he urged the tribunal.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, the Chairman of the tribunal, Samson Opaluwah, said the inauguration of the Tribunal signified a bold statement by the Federal Government.
He assured the minister that the tribunal would discipline builders found wanting, further promising commitment to the professionalisation of the built environment.