The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed grave concern over the illegal conversion of residential areas into commercial and semi-industrial zones across the country amidst increasing reports of building collapses.
Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, raised these concerns during the 2024 budget performance review and the 2025 budget proposal presentation of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Hon. Abiante emphasized that beyond providing housing, proper town planning is essential to prevent the emergence of slums.
He said: “We have also raised concerns regarding the conversion of residential areas into commercial and semi-industrial zones. These conversions come with challenges. We anticipate that, before granting approvals for such changes, impact assessments should be conducted.
“We are hopeful that for new and upcoming estates, comprehensive assessments will be carried out to avoid creating multiple problems while trying to solve one.
“You are all aware of the well-known example in Abuja, the Trademore Estate. It was designed to address accommodation challenges. However, as we speak, it faces recurring flooding issues every year.
“So, for future estates, we expect that their impacts will be thoroughly assessed before implementation to prevent similar challenges.”
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Hon. Abiante noted that part of the issue stems from the absence of an enabling act related to town planning. He revealed that efforts to repeal and re-enact the relevant legislation have commenced, particularly those concerning the profession of town planning.
“The bill has passed the first reading. We hope to advance it further and engage Nigerians to ensure progress in this area,” he said.
Hon. Abiante also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the Renewed Hope Estate.
Responding to questions about building regulations, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, stated that the Ministry is discussing the necessity of establishing a national housing regulatory authority to ensure standardization.
However, Dr. Belgore lamented a budget reduction, noting that the Ministry’s allocation was slashed from N162 billion in 2024 to N83.7 billion in 2025.
“We believe this budget is grossly inadequate. Our 2024 budget was halved from N162 billion to N83 billion.
“Of this amount, N4.6 billion has been allocated to the Urban and Regional Development Department for various projects itemized in this document,” he said.
Dr. Belgore also highlighted the Ministry’s intention to enhance slum upgrading and urban renewal programs across the 36 states.
He appealed for the Committee’s support in securing additional funding to enable the Ministry to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
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