The Federal Government has inaugurated the Builder’s Disciplinary Tribunal in Abuja, an initiative aimed at bolstering accountability and upholding professional ethics within Nigeria’s construction industry.
Presiding over the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, emphasized the tribunal’s pivotal role in maintaining standards and safeguarding public safety.
“Today marks a vital step toward strengthening accountability within the building profession in our country,” Dangiwa announced, underscoring the need for the tribunal as a mechanism to enforce compliance with professional standards. “Those who fail to adhere to these standards will be held accountable,” he asserted.
The formation of the tribunal responds to recent incidents of structural failures, including a tragic building collapse in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which resulted in five fatalities last week. “This is not an isolated case but part of a recurring pattern that demands our attention and decisive action,” Dangiwa said, noting the urgency for regulatory reform in Nigeria’s construction landscape.
Established under Sections 16 (1) and (2) of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004, the tribunal aims not only to reinforce professional conduct but also to act as a guardian of public safety. “This tribunal sends a strong message that negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry,” Dangiwa added.
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This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to regulatory oversight and public trust in the construction sector. Dangiwa called on tribunal members to uphold their duties with integrity, noting, “Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities fairly and professionally.”
Chairman of the tribunal and Chairman of the Council for Registered Builders of Nigeria, Dr. Samson Opaluwah, emphasized the tribunal’s role in enforcing ethical standards among licensed builders. “This tribunal is a critical part of the institutional framework established to ensure that society is protected against malfeasance,” Opaluwah stated, highlighting the need for a strict “Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.”
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However, Opaluwah pointed to an ongoing challenge: “While we are committed to disciplining registered builders, there remains a large number of unlicensed practitioners.” He advocated for regulatory measures that would expand oversight to cover unlicensed builders as well, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legal frameworks in the sector.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olatunde Ajayi described the tribunal’s establishment as a “beacon of justice,” noting that it will elevate transparency and integrity within the industry, helping to create a safer built environment for all Nigerians.
