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 amid growing reports of building collapses.
The Chairman of the Urban Development and Regional Planning Committee of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, raised these concerns during the review of the implementation of the 2024 budget and the presentation of the 2025 budget proposal of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban development.
Honorable. Abiante highlighted that beyond providing housing, adequate urban planning is essential to avoid the appearance of slums.
He said: “We have also expressed concern over the conversion of residential areas into commercial and semi-industrial zones. These conversions come with challenges. We anticipate that before approving such changes, impact assessments must be conducted.
“We are hopeful that for new and future properties, comprehensive assessments will be carried out to avoid creating multiple problems when trying to resolve one.
“You all know the well-known example of Abuja, the Trademore Estate. It was designed to address hosting challenges. However, as we speak, it faces recurring flooding problems every year.
“Therefore, for future properties, we hope that their impacts will be thoroughly assessed before implementation to avoid similar challenges.”
READ ALSO: Rotary Foundation renews commitment to polio eradication in Nigeria
Honorable. Abiante pointed out that part of the problem arises from the absence of an enabling law related to urban planning. He revealed that efforts have been initiated to repeal and re-enact relevant legislation, particularly that relating to the town planning profession.
“The bill passed its first reading. We hope to go further and engage Nigerians to ensure progress in this area,” he said.
Honorable. Abiante also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work at Renewed Hope Estate.
Responding to questions on building standards, Permanent Secretary Dr Shuaib Belgore said the Ministry is discussing the need to establish a national housing regulatory authority to ensure standardisation.
Dr. Belgore, however, lamented a budget reduction, noting that the Ministry's allocation was reduced 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 Department of Urban and Regional Development for various projects detailed in this document,” he said.
Dr. Belgore also highlighted the Ministry's intention to enhance slum upgrading and urban renewal programs in all 36 states.
He called for the Committee's support to secure additional funds to enable the Ministry to discharge its responsibilities effectively.