BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The National Health Insurance Authority ,NHIA, has aligned with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria ,FMBN, to address the housing needs of its staff contributing to the National Housing Fund ,NHF, scheme.
At a courtesy visit by the management of NHIA, led by its Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, to FMBN management in Abuja over the weekend, both institutions brainstormed on outstanding housing allocations, future housing projects and NHF refunds for retired staff.
The NHIA Director-General appreciated the FMBN for its contribution to staff welfare and homeownership, saying that several NHIA staff had benefited from the Bank's housing interventions.
He expressed its readiness to strengthen collaboration with FMBN, particularly in advancing housing opportunities for its workforce and ensuring that eligible staff derived the benefits of their participation in the NHF Scheme.
Ohiri appealed to FMBN to resolve the outstanding housing allocation issues affecting 36 NHIA staff, who were allocated houses at the Brains and Hammers’ Bungalow City Estate in Juneau, Abuja, but were unable to access their homes.
Recounting the broader impact of FMBN’s interventions to workers, the NHIA Director-General, shared the experience of a senior NHIA Director, Mr. Nden Nuhu Nanshal, who, as a young professional, accessed FMBN mortgage about 23 years ago by simply following the established process and without seeking the intervention of a godfather.
Ohiri said that the mortgage assisted Nanshal to own a home and establish his family, noting that the testimony underscored the enduring impact of FMBN’s mandate in transforming the aspirations of workers into tangible homeownership opportunities.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FMBN, Shehu Usman Osidi promised that the Bank would work assidously to settle the outstanding allocation issues involving NHIA staff.
“FMBN will never abandon anybody that believes in our process. Contributors who meet the requirements and follow the prescribed process should be able to access the benefits of the NHF Scheme," he said.
Osidi informed that FMBN had worked with relevant stakeholders to resolve challenges arising from the reallocation of part of the estate for public purposes.
He added: “I can assure you that all the 36 people will actually get houses. Beneficiaries who could not be accommodated at the original site would be considered for alternative housing at the Nasarawa Technology Village.
Osidi also highlighted FMBN’s increased investment in supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, adding that the Bank had provided a ₦100 billion guarantee to a consortium of developers implementing housing projects across the country, in addition to direct funding of ₦19.9 billion for a section of the Karsana project.
He stated that FMBN is ready to provide mortgage financing for NHIA staff who secured allocations under eligible housing projects, including the Renewed Hope City in Karsana.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to provide shelter for its workforce through accessible mortgages.
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