The Federal Government has announced plans to audit its housing assets and enhance ground rent collection by establishing Task Teams in each state. This initiative aims to improve oversight, accountability, and revenue generation in the housing sector.
New Task Teams for Improved Monitoring
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, disclosed the plan during a meeting with Federal Controllers of Housing in Abuja. According to a statement released on the ministry’s website on Friday, the teams will oversee property audits, enforce compliance, and streamline rent collection.
The Task Teams will be composed of state housing controllers, representatives from the Federal Housing Authority, and the Surveyor-General of the Federation, who will serve as chairman.
Optimizing Housing Management and Revenue
Belgore emphasized that the initiative will ensure proper auditing of government-owned properties and land across the federation, while also improving the efficiency of ground rent collection.
“The Ministry’s intention is to create a Task Team in every state to ensure a proper audit of properties and land, as well as to enhance the collection of ground rent,” the statement read.
He assured officials that necessary resources would be provided to facilitate the initiative’s execution. Additionally, a portion of the revenue generated will be allocated for fieldwork, evaluation, and continuous project monitoring.
Addressing Challenges and Strengthening Capacity
Recognizing human capacity constraints, Belgore revealed plans to recruit experienced professionals and implement training programs. He stressed that Federal Controllers will play a key role in mentoring new officers to ensure long-term institutional sustainability.
Furthermore, controllers urged the ministry to renew facility management contracts for state projects to prevent vandalism, deterioration, and security breaches.
The meeting, convened at Belgore’s directive, aimed to strengthen coordination between the ministry’s headquarters and state controllers, ensuring better collaboration, accountability, and efficiency in housing project execution nationwide.
