The Federal Government has introduced a new digital platform aimed at curbing fraudulent practices in housing estates across Nigeria. The initiative, launched on Tuesday, allows citizens to report instances of fraud, submit evidence, and track the progress of their complaints.
The Housing Fraud Reporting Portal, which can be accessed at https://reports.fmhud.gov.ng, is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the country’s real estate sector. This move comes after growing concerns about the prevalence of fraudulent activities in housing estates that have left many Nigerians at the mercy of dishonest developers.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, led by Minister Ahmed Dangiwa, emphasized that the launch of this portal is in line with the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and protecting citizens from deceptive practices. Citizens can now safely report fraudulent actions, such as fake estate documents, false advertising, and unfulfilled promises by property developers.
Speaking during the unveiling, Minister Dangiwa stressed that this platform would serve as a vital tool in tackling the rising issue of housing fraud. He affirmed that offenders would face legal consequences, as the government remains resolute in tackling corruption in the real estate industry.
Alongside the fraud reporting platform, the Ministry introduced the Contract Performance and Compliance Project Monitoring System. This system allows for real-time tracking of housing projects, providing oversight on contractor performance and ensuring transparency in project progress. It serves as a comprehensive repository for project documents, including payment certificates and Bills of Quantities, further strengthening accountability.
Dr. Marcus Amiolemen, Deputy Director and Head of the Ministry’s ICT Department, highlighted that both platforms were developed in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure effective monitoring and follow-up of fraud cases. He reassured Nigerians that these platforms represent a concrete step towards safeguarding the real estate sector, giving the public the tools needed to report issues as they arise.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to implement the 2012 National Housing Policy, which aims to regulate the housing industry, certify developers, and protect citizens from unscrupulous players. This move also supports the policy’s goal of creating a more efficient legal, regulatory, and administrative framework for housing delivery.
Minister Dangiwa reiterated that this digital push is a crucial part of the Ministry’s strategy to create a more transparent and fair housing market for all Nigerians. With the launch of the new portal, citizens now have a direct line to report any fraudulent activities and ensure that action is taken in a timely manner.
The Ministry encourages all Nigerians to actively use the platform to report any fraudulent practices they encounter in the housing sector.
