Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially handed over land to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area. In a move that has drawn wide commendation, the governor also waived statutory fees worth about N200 million to make the project possible.
The governor presented the Certificate of Occupancy at Government House, Asaba, to the FMBN delegation led by Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul, the Executive Director of Loans and Mortgage Services. He described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in Delta State.
According to Oborevwori, the 10.1-hectare land located in Core Area 2, Ibusa, is being developed in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). He noted that the C of O had been ready since January 2024 but was delayed by administrative procedures, stressing that the decision to waive the fees was to ease the financial burden on workers.
“Many of our junior and middle-level workers spend most of their salaries on rent, leaving them with little or nothing to save. That is why this housing scheme is critical. I urge the Federal Mortgage Bank to deliver the estate on time and ensure that it benefits those for whom it is designed,” the governor said.
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Oborevwori further applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging federal institutions to work with state governments, pledging Delta’s continued support for initiatives that improve workers’ welfare.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdul praised the governor for prioritizing housing and infrastructure, noting that Delta had taken a bold step by partnering with the FMBN. He urged local government councils across the state to contribute to the National Housing Fund to extend the benefits of similar projects to grassroots communities.
The FMBN, which has been in existence for over 32 years, is tasked with tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit, currently estimated at between 20 and 22 million units. Abdul explained that the bank already has nine housing projects spread across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other states, and is determined to replicate such developments in Delta.
“With President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City initiative, our target is to provide affordable housing for Nigerians at all levels, particularly low-income earners. Delta is a key part of this national plan, and we are committed to leaving a lasting impact here,” Abdul stated.
The development is expected to provide relief for workers in Delta State, many of whom struggle with high rent costs, while also strengthening the state’s housing infrastructure.
