Nigeria’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development introduced the Housing Fraud Reporting web-based platform to enable residents to report instances of fraud in housing estates.
The platform’s subdomain, reports.fmhud.gov.ng, allows users to file complaints and exchange pertinent data and proof regarding fraudulent activities in the nation’s real estate industry.
Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, said the Ministry was guided by the 2012 National Housing Policy to start more stringent housing sector regulation during the live presentation of the Fraud Detection and Reporting System Web Portal.
“The policy mandates the government to establish an efficient administrative, legal and regulatory framework to enforce the control and monitoring of housing delivery, ensure that all persons who offer professional services in the built environment are properly registered with their professional bodies”, he stated
Enhancing oversight of estate developers
According to the minister, the policy also calls for establishing a National Housing and Urban Development Regulatory Commission to oversee the industry and enhance the oversight of estate developers through certification and regulation under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.
“This will mean closer scrutiny of developers, tighter monitoring of real estate practices, and stronger enforcement against fraudulent actors”, he explained.
Dangiwa expressed hope that the Housing Fraud Detection and Reporting Portal will contribute to fulfilling the mandate.
“It will empower Nigerians to report fraud, track cases, and strengthen transparency in real estate transactions”, he remarked.
While lamenting that diligent citizens have, over time, become victims of dishonest business practices, cunning con artists, and unethical people in the real estate sector.
Dangiwa stated that the Ministry, on behalf of the current administration, has taken decisive action to protect Nigerians and bring attention to the actions of real estate professionals.
He further explained, “The Housing Fraud Detection and Reporting Portal provides a credible, safe, and transparent channel for Nigerians to report fraudulent practices, track cases, and help the government take decisive action against culprits”
Warning against sharp practices
Thus, the Minister issued a strong warning that savage behaviour will not be accepted in the housing sector and stated that the Ministry will cooperate with law enforcement, professional associations, and the judiciary to ensure that those who violate the law bear the full consequences of their actions.
He thanked the Committee members for their unwavering work, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, for spearheading the initiative, and the Consultant for lending the technical know-how to bring the system to fruition.
“Our goal is simple: a housing sector where Nigerians can invest and own homes confidently, free from fear of fraud. This is how we will protect our people, restore trust, and move closer to the vision of safe, decent and affordable housing for all,” he said.
Collaboration with EFCC
According to Dr. Marcus Amiolemen, Deputy Director and Head of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, who announced this in his opening remarks, the Housing Fraud Reporting System was created in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to him, the platform is an easy-to-use online tool that enables citizens to report instances of fraud in the real estate industry.
According to Dr. Amiolemen, the system, accessible at reports.fmhud.gov.ng, allows Nigerians to file complaints and offer crucial information about dishonest housing industry practices.
He stated that the Ministry will closely collaborate with pertinent stakeholders and thoroughly examine the reports received on the platform to guarantee that appropriate investigations and actions are carried out.
CPCPMS to enhance project monitoring and oversight
The Director also discussed the launch of the Contract Performance and Compliance Project Monitoring System (CPCPMS) earlier in a related development, pointing out that the cutting-edge application is intended to improve service delivery to citizens while bolstering project monitoring and oversight.
He noted that the CPCPMS has several noteworthy features, such as an analytics module and a real-time dashboard for simple project data visualisation; a contractor performance module that is governed by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs);
Additional features include a centralised document repository that offers safe access to Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and payment certificates for contracts, as well as mobile field reporting that enables employees, engineers, and supervisors to upload pictures and progress reports straight from project sites.
Dr. Amiolemen reiterated that both platforms emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to fostering accountability, encouraging transparency, and shielding the public from unscrupulous housing industry practices.
The consultants, Messrs. Freestone Investments Limited and Prunedge Development Technologies Limited, thoroughly explained how to use the websites during the launch event.