FMHUD plans to establish housing fraud monitoring platform

•Warns real estate developers on substandard project

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development ( FMHUD), said the Ministry plans to establish a Housing Fraud Monitoring Platform that will enable Nigerians nationwide to report incidences of housing fraud by developers.
This contained in a statement signed and issued by SA, Media Mark Chieshe.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, said the primary goal of the platform is to monitor and detect instances of housing fraud perpetrated by dubious developers and ensure accountability in the sector.
Speaking recently at the commissioning of De Mayor’s Estate and the flag-off of Project Broadfield in Abuja.
“We aim to protect the rights and investments of Nigerians by creating a transparent and accountable system”.
“Using the platform, we will empower Nigerians with the a transparent tool to report dubious developers and work in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate reported cases of housing fraud,”.
He said “The proposed platform will provide a user-friendly online interface for Nigerians nationwide to report incidents of housing fraud. Users can submit complaints, provide evidence, and share relevant information about fraudulent practices anonymously or with their identity disclosed, depending on their preference”.
Dangiwa stated that the online platform will collect, analyze, and categorize reported cases of housing fraud. It will gather information such as location, developer details, type of fraud, and evidence provided by victims of housing fraud.
“This data will help identify patterns, trends, and hotspots of fraudulent activities in the real estate sector.
“The platform will operate within the existing legal framework governing the real estate sector. It will support legal actions against fraudulent developers by providing evidence and support to law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies.
“By implementing the Housing Fraud Detection and Monitoring Platform, the Ministry aims to curtail housing fraud, ensure there are legal consequences for fraudulent developers, promote transparency, and safeguard the interests of Nigerians in the real estate market”, he said
Similarly, The minister has issued a strong warning to real estate developers who engage in the construction of substandard projects and other fraudulent practices to desist from such behavior or face the wrath of the law.
The Minister reiterated the resolve of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to ensure that developers construct houses in line with laid-down laws and regulations and prevent fraudulent practices in the sector.
Dangiwa cautioned against the use of substandard building materials and unethical practices, warning that those who fail to build within stipulated guidelines will be prosecuted. He also warned those who collect money from unsuspecting Nigerians only to turn around and deliver substandard projects, stating that the days of cutting corners are over.
“I want to warn all developers, and I advise them to see this as the final warning that they will get. The days of cutting corners in the housing sector are over. If you think you can defraud Nigerians of their hard-earned money and get away with it in this present time, you are mistaken.
‘For those who collect money from beneficiaries and, at the end of the day, fail to deliver and dupe ordinary Nigerians who simply want a decent place to call home, the law will soon catch up with you. Stop doing it because the days are over for such practices,” he said.
He noted that Nigerians have been victims of unscrupulous elements in the built environment for far too long, stressing that such practices amount to financial crimes.