The Federal Government has warned contractors handling housing projects across the country that it will blacklist and sanction those who fail to meet their contractual obligations.
The warning was issued during a meeting convened by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Abuja, presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, alongside directors of the ministry’s project departments.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, the meeting was aimed at accelerating the pace of work, ensuring strict compliance with contract provisions, and delivering housing projects in line with the government’s timelines.
Belgore cautioned that sanctions for defaulting contractors would include the issuance of formal queries, recovery of mobilisation funds, forfeiture of guarantees, contract termination, blacklisting, and, where necessary, referral to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“This engagement is not only to emphasise 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,” Belgore said.
He assured contractors meeting their obligations of prompt payment once due processes are completed, adding that he would personally visit selected project sites to assess progress and address legitimate concerns.
Reiterating the ministry’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Belgore stressed that providing quality, affordable, and accessible housing for Nigerians remains a top priority and that project delivery timelines are non-negotiable.
Earlier, the Director of Public Buildings, Pemi Temitope, explained that the session was organised to renew contractors’ commitment, strengthen compliance, and speed up housing delivery nationwide. He noted with concern that some contractors, despite receiving mobilisation funds since 2024, had yet to apply for valuation of works—a key requirement for proper monitoring and accountability.
Some contractors in attendance, however, raised issues of delayed payments, adverse weather conditions, and site vandalism as challenges affecting project execution.
