The federal government has inaugurated the National Building Code Advisory Committee (NBCAC) to reposition the country’s construction industry on the basis of standards, regulation, and professionalism.
Minister of housing and urban development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who was represented by the minister of state, Yusuf Ata, disclosed this in Abuja. He said the committee’s inauguration demonstrated the government’s determination to ensure all homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and public buildings are constructed to safe, durable, and sustainable specifications.
He described the National Building Code as a vital regulatory tool that sets minimum standards for all stages of construction, promoting safety and quality across the industry. However, he admitted progress in implementing the Code had been slow due to challenges in ratification, enforcement, and compliance.
Dangiwa expressed optimism that under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the committee would play a critical role in addressing Nigeria’s recurrent problem of building collapses. He identified challenges such as unplanned urban development, fire outbreaks, environmental abuse, and the absence of standardised design references for professionals, stressing that the Code was designed to curb these issues.
“The National Council on Housing and Urban Development initiated the Code to address these problems. The Code establishes enforcement units at federal, state, and local government levels staffed by registered professionals including architects, engineers, builders, surveyors, town planners, fire officers, estate surveyors, and public health and safety officers, all tasked with implementation,” he said.
According to the minister, the committee will periodically review the National Building Code and advise the ministry on related matters. It will also recommend members for specialised technical sub-committees covering pre-design, design, construction, and post-construction phases to ensure full alignment with the Code’s objectives.
The committee will serve a renewable three-year term, meeting at least twice annually, with sessions subject to the minister’s approval. Dangiwa charged members to uphold professionalism, provide quarterly progress reports, and address challenges without delay.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, described the committee’s reconstitution as a deliberate step to ensure housing projects meet modern standards, safeguard lives, and promote resilience in the built environment.
The NBCAC is chaired by Mohammed Faworaja with Matthias Kastuda as Secretary. Other members, drawn from professional bodies and government agencies across the country, pledged to align with the government’s objectives of ensuring safer, standardised construction practices nationwide.
