Building collapse: FG unveils tribunal to check unprofessionalism

• Published On: 30 October 2024 at 17:44

The Federal Government has officially launched the Builder's Disciplinary Tribunal, a strategic initiative aimed at improving accountability in the building industry.

According to The Punch, the event took place on Tuesday in Abuja and was led by Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

Dangiwa spoke at the event about the importance of professional ethics in the construction industry, emphasizing the tribunal's role in upholding standards and promoting integrity among builders.

"Today, we mark a very important step towards strengthening accountability within the building profession in our dear country," Dangiwa told reporters.

He emphasized the tribunal's importance in ensuring compliance with professional standards, saying, "Those who fail to comply with these standards are held accountable."

The tribunal's establishment comes after a series of recent building collapses, including a tragic incident last week in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, that claimed the lives of five people.

"This is not an isolated case, but part of a recurring pattern that demands our attention and decisive action," Dangiwa stated, emphasizing the industry's urgent need for regulatory reform.

The tribunal was established under Sections 16 (1) and (2) of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004.

The minister emphasized that the tribunal's purpose is not only to uphold professional standards, but also to protect the public.

"It sends a strong message that negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry," she said.

He noted that the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dangiwa urged tribunal members to act diligently and professionally.

"Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities with integrity and fairness," he told me.

Dr. Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Tribunal and Chairman of the Council for Registered Builders of Nigeria, emphasized the tribunal's role in enforcing ethical conduct among registered builders.

"This tribunal is a critical part of the institutional framework established to ensure that society is protected against malfeasance," he told reporters.

He stressed the importance of strictly adhering to a "Code of Ethics and Professional Practice," which requires builders to act with integrity and avoid practices that could jeopardize safety.

However, Opaluwah identified a significant challenge: "While we are committed to disciplining Registered Builders, there are still a large number of quacks operating without licenses."

He advocated for the expansion of regulations to include all practitioners in the construction sector, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks to address the issue of unlicensed builders.