By Blessing Bature-Akpakpan, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Mohammad Bello has urged housing developers in the territory to adhere strictly to extant development control guidelines as violations would not be tolerated by his administration.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (PS), Mr Olusade Adesola, gave the charge Monday while declaring open the ongoing 15th annual Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS).

“Kindly permit me to use this opportunity to admonish housing developers in the FCT to always follow all extant development control guidelines as violations that lead to avoidable consequences such as flooding or building collapse will not be tolerated,” he said.

This is as he expressed the hope that some newer innovations in building and construction technology that would help address some of the environmental concerns of the industry would be showcased at the event for participants to key into.

He admitted that the number and pedigree of investors that have indicated interest in participating in the territory’s Land Swap Programme is encouraging, adding thet, “It is our intention that as many Nigerians as possible will have access to decent living conditions in the FCT via this initiative.”

The Minister who also recognised the challenge of funding faced by intending house owners in the country, urged mortgage financial institutions represented at the show to do more in sensitising members of the public on their services and the advantages of financing home ownership through the method.

“However, there still exists the dilemma of access to finance by intending home owners. While it is reassuring to note that mortgage financial institutions are well represented here, I urge them to do more in sensitising members of the public on their services and the advantages of financing home ownership through this method,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr Umar Gambo Jibrin, stressed the need to step up the advocacy and enlightenment on best practices, promote innovation, energy efficiency in building and encourage the development of a financially inclusive industry in order to effectively tackle the housing deficit.

Describing the role of the private sector as critical to the development of the sector, the PS called on construction companies, building material manufacturers, mortgage institutions, home seekers and other stakeholders in the value chain to network and explore creative and effective ways of tackling the multifaceted challenges in the industry.