ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: FG DELIVERS AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO CIVIL SERVANTS

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: FG DELIVERS AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO CIVIL SERVANTS

The Federal Government has delivered on its promise to provide affordable, quality and ideal homes to Civil Servants through the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) programme, domiciled in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), in line with pillar 6 of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation plan 2021-2025 (FCCSIP-25), as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Cities and Estate Programme of the present Administration.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi Esan, CFR disclosed this on Friday, 21st June, 2024 during the symbolic presentation of keys to some beneficiaries and the official commissioning of the FISH Estate comprising of One Hundred and Sixteen (116) housing units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows at Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for core Civil Servants.

According to Dr. Yemi- Esan, "housing is universally recognised as one of man’s most essential needs and oftentimes, to find this need always gets complex with the rising population'', she noted. The HoSF added that the current cost housing to income ratio makes it practically unrealistic for Civil Servants, especially, to purchase houses of their own in these economic hard times.

She reiterated that, in order to tackle these challenges and with the objective of delivering affordable housing to the Federal Civil Servants, the OHCSF set up the FISH programme with the main objective of reducing the cost of housing for Civil Servants to the barest minimum, and to also provide the necessary structures and framework to enhance its implementation.

While thanking the critical Ministries that collaborated in providing the necessary infrastructure for the Estate (Ministries of Works, Power, Environment, Housing and Urban Development), Dr. Yemi-Esan further stated that critical infrastructure pending completion in the estate such as tarred access roads, drainages, portable water supply and electrical installations among others, will be provided for before the keys are handed over to the beneficiaries.

In their Goodwill Messages, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, stated that allocation of the land to the OHCSF by his Ministry, under his predecessor, about three (3) years ago was part of a broader vision to build decent homes for Nigerians, which is in sync with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration for the housing and urban development sector.

According to Arc. Dangiwa, the Civil Service as the engine room of government, plays a vital role in national development and Civil Servants as the backbone of public administration, drive the implementation of policies and programmes that touch every aspect of our lives, as such, it is therefore only fitting to prioritise their welfare by providing them with decent and affordable shelter.

 He further stated that the FISH scheme is more than a collection of buildings, as it demonstrates, in practical terms, how much we respect and appreciate the contributions of our Civil Servants by ensuring that they have a comfortable and secured homes that will not only improve their qualities of life but also boost their productivity and morale, which will in turn benefit the entire nation. He applauded the HoSF for her dedication and commitment in seeing the project to completion.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adams Kofarmata, commended the HoSF for the provision of affordable housing to deserving Civil Servants. He also assured that his Ministry will always be available to render any necessary assistance that involves the welfare of workers, adding that housing is the key to improved productivity of any workforce.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr. Shehu Usman Osidi, stated that the commissioning marks a monumental step forward in the ongoing commitment by critical stakeholders towards providing affordable and quality housing for deserving Civil Servants at both the Federal and State levels.

Earlier, the Director Overseeing the Office of Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office (SWO) and Chairman, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board’s Governing Council, Dr. Comfort Adeosun affirmed that Federal Civil Servants can now retire happily with a roof over their heads. She stressed that the FISH Department is working assiduously to ensure more houses are provided for workers with a view to improving their well-being, as well as guaranteeing job satisfaction.

The Executive Secretary, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB), Alhaji Ibrahim Mairiga, in his Vote of Thanks, acknowledged the contributions of all partners and stakeholders, while soliciting for more collaboration.

The commissioning of the FISH Estate is a testament to the present Administration’s pledge towards improving the welfare and well-being of Civil Servants. It is sited on a 5-hectare plot of land, constructed by various private developers and funded by the FGSHLB.

M.A. AHMED

Director (Press and Public Relations)

23/06/2024.