KEY POINTS

• The builders disciplinary tribunal enforces building safety and standards.
• Negligence and misconduct in the building industry will face consequences.
• Fairness and transparency are key to tribunal decision-making.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has inaugurated a seven-member Disciplinary Tribunal for Registered Builders of Nigeria, tasked with handling cases of misconduct and infractions among builders.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Salis Haiba. The tribunal, part of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), is charged with upholding professional standards and ensuring public safety within the building industry.

Upholding building standards and public safety

The Punch reported that, during his speech at the inauguration, Dangiwa highlighted the ministry’s commitment to working with professional bodies to ensure Nigeria’s built environment meets global standards. He emphasized the tribunal’s role in maintaining the integrity of the building profession by addressing infractions that compromise public safety.

“The tribunal is empowered to uphold building standards and guard public safety,” Dangiwa said. He added that the tribunal’s establishment was guided by the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004.

The minister also stressed the importance of professional diligence, warning of the dangerous consequences of neglecting safety standards, especially in light of recent building collapses.

Addressing building collapses and professional negligence

Dangiwa expressed dissatisfaction with the recurring cases of building collapses, citing the recent tragedy in Lugbe, Abuja. He reiterated that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, negligence or misconduct that endangers public safety would not be tolerated.

He further charged the tribunal to act decisively in addressing lapses in enforcement and to hold professionals accountable for maintaining building standards.

Commitment to fairness and transparency

The tribunal was also commended for its collaborative approach in selecting qualified nominees, with Dangiwa urging members to handle cases with fairness, transparency, and integrity.

“Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities with diligence and professionalism,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the tribunal, Chairman Samson Opaluwah assured the minister of their commitment to disciplining builders found guilty of misconduct, while also working toward the professionalization of the built environment.