The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Builder’s Disciplinary Tribunal, a strategic initiative designed to enhance accountability within the building profession.
The event took place on Tuesday in Abuja, led by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, according to The Punch.
During the event, Dangiwa stated the critical role of professional ethics in the construction industry, highlighting the tribunal’s importance 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 stated.
He highlighted that the tribunal serves as a vital mechanism for ensuring compliance with professional standards, stating, “Those who fail to comply with these standards are held accountable.”
The establishment of the tribunal follows a series of recent building collapses, including a tragic incident last week in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which resulted in the loss of five lives.
“This is not an isolated case but part of a recurring pattern that demands our attention and decisive action,” Dangiwa noted, reflecting the urgent need for regulatory reform in the industry.
The tribunal is established under Sections 16 (1) and (2) of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004.
The minister emphasized that the tribunal is intended not only to uphold professional standards but also to serve as a guardian of public safety.
“It sends a strong message that negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry,” he added.
He noted that the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Dangiwa urged members of the tribunal to act with diligence and professionalism.
“Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities with integrity and fairness,” he stated.
The Chairman of the tribunal and Chairman of the Council for Registered Builders of Nigeria, Dr Samson Opaluwah highlighted 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 remarked.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to a “Code of Ethics and Professional Practice,” which mandates builders to act with integrity and to avoid practices that could undermine safety.
However, Opaluwah pointed out a significant challenge: “While we are committed to disciplining Registered Builders, there is still a huge number of quacks practising without licenses.”
He called for an expansion of regulations to include all practitioners in the construction sector, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks to address the issue of unlicensed builders.
