FG launches portal to tackle housing fraud in Nigeria

The federal ministry of housing and urban development has launched a web-based platform that allows citizens to report fraudulent activities in the real estate sector.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said the platform, hosted at www.reports.fmhud.gov.ng, enables users to submit complaints, upload evidence, and share information on fraudulent practices in housing estates across the country.

Speaking during the live presentation of the portal, Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development, said the ministry was guided by the 2012 National Housing Policy to commence firmer regulation of the housing industry.

“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,” Dangiwa said.

The minister added that the ministry is also mandated to strengthen oversight of estate developers through certification and regulation, and to work towards creating a national housing and urban development regulatory commission to coordinate the sector.

“This will mean closer scrutiny of developers, tighter monitoring of real estate practices, and stronger enforcement against fraudulent actors,” he said.

‘PORTAL WILL STRENGTHEN TRANSPARENCY’

Dangiwa said the housing fraud detection and reporting portal would empower citizens to report fraud, track cases, and strengthen transparency in real estate transactions.

He lamented that many hardworking Nigerians have fallen victim to fraudulent developers and “sharp operators” in the housing sector.

“The housing fraud detection and Reporting Portal provides a credible, safe, and transparent channel for Nigerians to report fraudulent practices, track cases, and help government take decisive action against culprits,” Dangiwa said.

The minister warned that sharp practices would not be tolerated, adding that the ministry will work with professional bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to ensure offenders face the law.

“Our goal is simple: a housing sector where Nigerians can invest and own homes with confidence, free from fear of fraud,” he said.

“This is how we will protect our people, restore trust, and move closer to the vision of safe, decent and affordable housing for all.”

Dangiwa commended Shuaib Belgore, the permanent secretary of the ministry, for driving the initiative, as well as the committee members and consultants who provided technical support.

‘PORTAL DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EFCC’

In his remarks, Marcus Amiolemen, deputy director and head of information and communication technology (ICT) department at the ministry, said the platform was developed in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Amiolemen described it as a “simple, user-friendly tool” that enables citizens to submit reports on fraudulent real estate practices, adding that the ministry would carefully review submissions and work with stakeholders to ensure proper investigation and enforcement.

The statement added that Amiolemen announced the introduction of the contract performance and compliance project monitoring system (CPCPMS) — another digital tool designed to strengthen oversight of housing projects.

According to the deputy director, the system comes with 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 are mobile field reporting that 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 said both platforms underscore the ministry’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and protecting citizens from sharp practices in the housing sector.