We Won’t Tolerate Delay, Breaches In Govt Projects, FG Tells Contractors

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday cautioned contractors handling its housing projects nationwide to strictly comply with contract provisions and procurement regulations or face stiff sanctions.

Speaking at a meeting with the contractors in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said the ministry would no longer tolerate delays or breaches that undermine the government’s housing delivery efforts.

Belgore reiterated the determination of the ministry to enforce strict compliance with contract provisions and procurement regulations.

He warned that the Ministry would not hesitate to apply necessary sanctions against defaulting contractors.

Such measures, he explained, include the issuance of formal queries, recovery of mobilisation funds, forfeiture of guarantees, blacklisting, termination of contracts, and, where necessary, reporting 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 all performing contractors of prompt payment once the due processes are completed.

He also disclosed plans to visit selected project sites to assess progress firsthand and address legitimate concerns raised by contractors.

Belgore reiterated the ministry’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of providing quality, affordable, and accessible housing for Nigerians and emphasised that timely project delivery remains a non-negotiable priority

Earlier, the Director of Public Buildings, QS Pemi Temitope, noted that the session was designed to renew contractors’ commitment, strengthen compliance, and accelerate work in line with the national goal of providing decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.

He expressed concern that some contractors, despite receiving mobilisation since 2024, had yet to apply for valuation of works, a standard contractual requirement that ensures proper project monitoring and delivery.