Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has urged the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to commence the construction of at least 1,000 housing units in each state of the federation as part of measures to address Nigeria’s growing housing deficit.
Key Highlights:
- Governor Nwifuru calls for 1,000 FMBN housing units in each state.
- Ebonyi Government plans additional 600 duplex units before end of tenure.
- FMBN proposes 800-unit housing estate for Ebonyi workers.
- Governor demands improved quality standards in housing construction.
Nwifuru also appealed to state governments to complement the initiative by developing an additional 1,000 housing units each, saying a coordinated effort between federal and state authorities would significantly reduce the country’s housing shortage.
The governor made the call on Wednesday when he received the management team of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, led by its Executive Director, Ms Chinenye Chinedu Anosike, at the Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
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According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru said his administration had prioritised housing as a major part of its development agenda.
He disclosed that the state government had already made progress in housing delivery and was planning the construction of an additional 600 duplex units.
The governor expressed commitment to delivering more than 1,000 housing units before the end of his administration, describing shelter as a key requirement for meaningful development.
“We are talking about practical development. Whatever you do without housing, it means there is no practical development because shelter is important,” Nwifuru said.
He commended the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for its role in expanding access to housing and urged the institution to improve standards in the execution of housing projects nationwide.
The governor cautioned against awarding construction projects to contractors without adequate technical experience, stressing the need for quality, durability and proper supervision.
Nwifuru further advised the FMBN to collaborate with the Nigerian Institute of Building and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to strengthen quality control and ensure that housing projects meet acceptable standards.
He also called for a review of the continued construction of bungalow-style accommodation for federal workers, advocating modern multi-level housing structures that would maximise available land and improve urban development.
Earlier, the FMBN Executive Director, Ms Chinenye Chinedu Anosike, said the delegation visited Ebonyi State to explore areas of collaboration with the state government on housing development.
Anosike disclosed that the proposed Ebonyi Housing Estate would provide about 800 housing units for workers in the state.
She explained that the project would be developed through a public-private partnership arrangement, with the Ebonyi State Government expected to provide land as well as necessary on-site and off-site infrastructure.
According to her, the partnership would create affordable housing opportunities for workers while strengthening efforts to reduce the housing deficit in Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
