Housing Ministry To Sanction Defaulting Contractors
Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has warned contractors handling its projects to brace up and deliver on time or risk sanctions.
In a statement issued by the Director Information and Public Relations, Badamasi Salisu Haiba, the ministry said contractors handling various housing projects nationwide accelerate their pace of work to ensure timely delivery in line with the contractual agreements.
The statement said that the warning was issued to the contractors during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Dr. Belgore warned that contractors who failed to deliver risk getting query, being made to pay back mobilization funds, forfeiture of guarantees, blacklisting, termination of contract, or facing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“This engagement is not only to emphasize the importance of timely delivery of projects but also to put contractors on notice that the Ministry will take all necessary steps to protect government investments and ensure value for money,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary assured all performing contractors of prompt payment once due processes are completed. He also disclosed plans to visit selected project sites to assess progress firsthand and address legitimate concerns raised by the contractors.
Dr Belgore reiterated the ministry’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of providing quality, affordable, and accessible housing for Nigerians and emphasized that timely project delivery remains a non-negotiable priority.
Earlier, the Director of Public Buildings, Pemi Temitope, said the meeting was designed to renew contractors’ commitment, strengthen compliance, and accelerate work in line with the national goal of providing decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.
He expressed concern that some contractors, despite receiving mobilization since 2024, had yet to apply for valuation of works – a standard contractual requirement that ensures proper project monitoring and delivery.
In response, some contractors highlighted challenges such as delayed payments, adverse weather conditions, and site vandalization.
