ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Tuesday presented a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The governor, who received the management team of FMBN led by its Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul, at Government House, Asaba, said the project was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
He disclosed that the land, measuring 10.1 hectares at Core Area 2, Ibusa, was allocated for a housing scheme jointly driven by the FMBN, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC). Although the C of O had been ready since January 2024, Oborevwori said the presentation was delayed by administrative processes. He added that his administration waived statutory fees amounting to about N200 million to ease the acquisition process in the interest of workers.
“Most of the salaries of our junior and middle-level workers are consumed by rent. That is why this housing scheme is so important,” the governor stated. “I appeal to the Federal Mortgage Bank to ensure the project is delivered on time and made accessible to those for whom it is intended.”
Oborevwori commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging federal agencies such as FMBN to partner with subnational governments and pledged full support for the successful execution of the Ibusa housing estate.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdul praised the governor’s strides in infrastructural development across Delta State, particularly in Asaba and its environs. He urged local government councils in the state to contribute to the National Housing Fund, which he said would enable the bank to expand affordable housing projects to grassroots communities.
The FMBN executive explained that the bank, established more than three decades ago, remains committed to tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated between 20 and 22 million units, through mortgage creation and construction financing. He noted that the institution currently has about nine ongoing housing projects in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other parts of the country, and is determined to replicate the model in Delta State.
“With the Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City project of Mr. President, our target is to provide affordable housing for Nigerians at all levels, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. Delta is very key to the success of this national plan, and we want to make a lasting impact here,” Abdul added.
