Nasarawa: The Federal Government has handed over keys to beneficiaries of its Rent-to-Own housing programme at the Nasarawa Technology Village, Karu, in Nasarawa State. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, performed the handover ceremony on Monday, highlighting it as a crucial step towards addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Darma stated that the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is dedicated to making decent and affordable housing more accessible to Nigerians. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to transform housing policies into tangible benefits for citizens, especially those seeking affordable homeownership opportunities.
The minister detailed that the houses were funded by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and developed by Modern Shelter Systems and Services Ltd. through a Public-Private Partnership with the Nasarawa State Government. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda places housing at the forefront of efforts to enhance the living conditions and welfare of Nigerians.
Darma underscored that the housing agenda goes beyond constructing physical structures, focusing on prioritizing people in government policies and programs. He assured the beneficiaries of continued government efforts to expand access to affordable housing nationwide and encouraged Nigerians to support the administration’s commitments in the housing sector.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, reiterated the bank’s dedication to its customers and effective stakeholder management. He noted that the handover ceremony signified a fulfilled promise to beneficiaries who contributed to the National Housing Fund, emphasizing FMBN’s commitment to delivering homes to these contributors.
Osidi explained that FMBN had initially funded the Brains and Hammers Bungalow City project in 2019 for National Housing Fund contributors. However, part of the estate’s allocation to security agencies had delayed some beneficiaries from acquiring their homes. The FMBN collaborated with various stakeholders to resolve the situation, ensuring that 400 of the 651 profiled off-takers could be accommodated while continuing efforts for the remaining beneficiaries.
He assured the remaining 122 beneficiaries that their houses would be completed by the end of 2026, aligning with the minister’s directive. Osidi also appreciated the partnership with Modern Shelter Systems and Services Limited in providing these homes.
Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency, praised the initiative as part of the state government’s economic development strategy, highlighting the role in creating an environment conducive to housing development. He commended FMBN for restoring confidence in the housing market and supporting affordable housing seekers.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and FMBN for ensuring the eventual allocation of homes. Nnamdi Iwochukwu and Mrs. Aisha Akowe acknowledged the Renewed Hope Agenda’s impact and FMBN’s commitment to resolving the delayed housing allocations.