From: Emmanuel Uzor, Abakaliki
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMGN), on Thursday, delivered 72 housing units to the Ebonyi State Government for the use of its civil servants.
The bank’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mr. Richard Esin, disclosed this during the commissioning of houses at Ezzambgo, Ohaukwu council area of Ebonyi by the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Shehuri.
According to Esin, the project known as the FMBN/Ebonyi State Housing Development Corporation’s housing estate, has a total of 240 housing units with 72 units completed.
“The housing units consist of 5 units of 3-bedroom fully detached bungalows, 30 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 12 units of 2-bedroom terrace.
“It also consists of 20 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 5 units of 1-bedroom terrace,” he said.
Esin remarked that the FMBN in its desire to positively impact on the housing sector of Ebonyi, invested a total of N431million towards the project.
“The development of this housing estate is an affirmation of the tangible achievement of the federal government in providing affordable housing for all Nigerians and the crucial role we play in achieving it,” he said.
He remarked the minister of power, works and housing has graciously approved that National Housing Fund (NHF) loans of N5million and below will attract 100 per cent funding.
“This is to further lower the affordability bar, as the loan applicants will not be required to make down payments of 10 per cent of the house.
Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Shehuri, noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration prioritises the provision of affordable housing for Nigerians.
“The federal ministry of power, works and housing will continue striving at ensuring that the challenge of housing deficit in Nigeria, put at 16-17million units is surmounted.
“The ministry plans to construct mass housing units in every state of the federation for public workers and individuals, over the next three years under a Public-Private partnership arrangement.
Governor David Umahi of the state noted that the agreement for the construction was signed by the state government and FMBN on July 11, 2005 for the bank to offer 422million in developing 240 housing units.
“The agreement stipulated that the fund be released in three tranches but the first tranch of 168milllion released that July was only accessed in 2006.
“The FMBN did not release any other fund for the project till 2011 when it released N126m that was accessed in 2014,” he said.
Dr Chamberlain Nwele, State Head of Service noted that in adherence to the governor’s directive, all 72 housing units have been allotted to beneficiaries through due balloting process.