President Goodluck Jonathan lastweek, commissioned a N2.4 billion mass housing project of 270 flats which has been called Aviation Village in Abuja. The project which was financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is affirming his Government’s decision to reform the housing and bridge the deficit, the president noted.

The President also used the opportunity to introduce the National Housing Fund e-card scheme saying, the e-card is expected to serve as an effective tool for contributors to the NHF to easily access and monitor their contributions and transactions with the fund.

The launch was also an opportunity for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to introduce the National Housing Fund Diaspora Mortgage Loan Scheme which is designed to provide housing opportunities in Nigeria to over 15 million Nigerians believed to be living outside the country.

In his speech the President hinted at some key points; “Let me emphasize that the national housing fund e-card which we are also inaugurating today is an effective tool for ensuring transparency and accountability of NHF’s contributions received by the FMBN”. He explained that this was one of his administration’s efforts at promoting transparency in the management of resources.

“Contributors will not only find the e- card useful in managing their funds, but also boost their confidence in the national housing scheme. Those who are still in breach of the law by not contributing should now be comfortable to comply since they are assured of the safety and proper application of their money” he said.

He went further to commend the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and FMBN for initiating and financing the Aviation Village project, describing it as one of the products of the reforms in the housing sector.

He recalled that the National Policy on Housing which was adopted by the Federal Executive Council in 2012 is key to the reforms as housing financing institutions are being strengthened to increase their capacity for low income earners.

The President praised the Public-Private-Partnership arrangement that gave birth to the Aviation Village saying “our intention is not to create a government monopoly but to encourage the private sector to drive the process while we provide the right policies and environment”.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Abdulwaheed Omar, also thanked Mr. Jonathan for efforts made in the housing sector, saying that “we are witnessing true transformation”, especially with commissioning of housing units across the country.

Noting that much more needs to be done, Mr. Omar told the President that “nobody should discourage you when we invite you to come and commission more houses or even for ground-breaking ceremonies at new sites”.

A similar housing project for 80 housing units in Kuje district of Abuja – Unity Estate – initiated by the Lands, Housing and Urban Development ministry, was however yet to be completed almost three years after it commenced. The private contractor, mortgage financier, and the ministry are still trading blames over the delay.

2014-02-17