The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has created a task team focused on property and land ground rents to ensure thorough audits nationwide.

According to a statement on Friday, Shuaib Belgore, permanent secretary of the ministry, revealed this initiative during a meeting with housing controllers from all 36 states and Abuja.

Mr Belgore explained that the task team would include state controllers, representatives from the federal and state housing authorities, and the surveyor-general of the federation, who would serve as the task force chairman.

“The team’s primary responsibility will include conducting field audits and providing professional oversight to ensure both quality and efficiency in ground rent collection,” Mr Belgore explained.

Mr Belgore highlighted that successful project execution relied on teamwork and quality.

He encouraged the state controllers to foster cooperation within their teams to carry out the ministry’s work effectively.

He also underscored the importance of hands-on experience for project management, pointing out that it is best acquired in the field, not from an office setting.

Mr Belgore noted concerns about the ministry’s challenges, as many officers were nearing retirement.

He mentioned plans to engage experienced professionals and implement training and mentoring programmes for new officers.

(NAN)