The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has unveiled a portal, “Housing Fraud Reporting,” a web-based platform that allows citizens to track fake real estate developers and report incidents of sharp practices in the housing industry.
In addition, the Ministry is guided by the 2012 National Housing Policy to ensure firmer regulation in the sector, leading to the introduction of the Innovative Application of Contract Performance and Compliance Monitoring System to strengthen project oversight.
During the presentation, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed M. Dangiwa, stated that the platform with the sub-domain https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng will enable users to submit complaints and share relevant evidence and information about fraudulent practices in the country’s real estate sector.
Dangiwa also explained, “The policy mandates the government to establish an efficient administrative, legal and regulatory framework to enforce, control and monitor housing delivery, and to ensure that all persons who offer professional services in the built environment are properly registered with their professional bodies.”
Other mandates in the policy, the minister added, include strengthening oversight of developers through certification and regulation under the ministry’s authority, and moving towards creating a National Housing and Urban Development Regulatory Commission to provide overall coordination of the sector.
He declared: “This will mean closer scrutiny of developers, tighter monitoring of real estate practices, and stronger enforcement against fraudulent actors. We are optimistic that the Housing Fraud Detection and Reporting Portal will help to achieve the mandate.
“It will empower Nigerians to report fraud, track cases, and strengthen transparency in real estate transactions. The 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.”
While condemning the fact that hardworking citizens have, over time, fallen victim to fraudulent practices and unscrupulous individuals in the industry, Dangiwa stated that the current administration, through the ministry, has taken bold steps to shed light on the activities of fake practitioners and to ensure that Nigerians are protected.
The minister therefore strongly warned that sharp practices will not be tolerated in the housing sector, emphasising that the ministry will collaborate with professional bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to ensure that offenders face the full force of the law.
He commended the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, for his leadership in driving the initiative, the committee members for their tireless efforts, and the consultant for providing the technical expertise that made the system a reality.
“Our goal is simple: a housing sector where Nigerians can invest and own homes with confidence, 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.
In his remark, Deputy Director and Head of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, Dr. Marcus Amiolemen, revealed that the Housing Fraud Reporting System was developed in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Describing the platform as a simple, user-friendly online tool that empowers citizens to report fraud, Amiolemen explained that the system can be accessed via https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng/, giving Nigerians the opportunity to submit complaints and provide vital information on fraudulent practices.
According to him, the ministry will carefully review the reports received on the platform and work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that proper investigations and actions are taken.
“The introduction of Contract Performance and Compliance Project Monitoring Systems is an innovative application, designed to strengthen projects’ monitoring and oversight, while improving service delivery to citizens,” he said.
He pointed out that the system comes with several notable features, including: a real-time dashboard and analytics module for easy visualisation of project data; and a contractor performance module guided by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Other features include mobile field reporting, which allows staff, engineers, and supervisors to upload photos and progress updates directly from project sites, as well as a centralised document repository that provides secure access to contracts’ payment certificates and Bills of Quantities (BoQs).
Amiolemen reaffirmed that both platforms underscored the ministry’s commitment to promoting transparency, enhancing accountability, and protecting citizens from sharp practices in the housing sector.
The consultants, Messrs Freestone Investments Limited and Messrs Prunedge Development Technologies Limited, demonstrated how the portal works to the minister, permanent secretary, and staff of the ministry.
