Contractors handling federal housing projects across the country have been put on notice: deliver on schedule or face blacklisting, termination, and possible prosecution.
The warning came from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, during a meeting in Abuja with firms engaged in ongoing housing projects. The session, also attended by directors of key project departments, was convened to fast-track delivery and enforce accountability.
Belgore declared that any contractor failing to meet obligations risked sanctions, including recovery of mobilisation funds, forfeiture of guarantees, formal queries, blacklisting, and referral to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“This forum is a clear signal that the era of excuses is over. Timely delivery is not negotiable. The government will safeguard its investments and demand full value for every project,” he warned.
While assuring performing contractors of prompt payment once due processes are concluded, Belgore disclosed plans for ministry officials to visit selected sites to verify progress and address legitimate concerns raised by firms.
Director of Public Buildings, Pemi Temitope, explained that the meeting was designed to renew contractors’ commitment and strengthen compliance. He expressed concern that several firms, despite receiving mobilisation funds since 2024, had yet to apply for valuation of works a critical contractual step for monitoring.
Some contractors, however, cited delayed payments, adverse weather, and site vandalism as key challenges affecting delivery timelines.
Belgore reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that affordable and accessible housing for Nigerians can only be achieved through discipline, transparency, and timely project completion.
