The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi says the service is partnering with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank to construct a total of five thousand and nine housing units nationwide to create a better conducive housing scheme for its officers.
Mr. Adeniyi revealed this at the Pacesetter Garden Estate, Ajoda Ibadan, Oyo State, southwest Nigeria.
The Customs Comptroller General who was in company of the National President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, DCG Festus Okun, DCG Greg Itotoh, ACG Aliu Olaniyi Alajogun, ACG Bello Jibo and a host of other Senior Officers, acknowledged the scheme’s impact on Officers and their families, especially in boosting their work morale effectively and efficiently.
According to him, “the Service is providing temporary relief through staff quarters, but concerns persist regarding retirement and subsequent vacation from these quarters.
“To establish a sustainable housing solution, a strategic partnership has been formed with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB). This collaboration aims to construct 5, 009 Housing Units nationwide, providing a stable foundation for Officers and empowering them to invest in their families and futures, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in serving the nation.
“The housing scheme features diverse residences, including two-bedroom terrace bungalows and three-bedroom terrace duplexes, strategically located in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Masaka, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja”.
The Customs boss expressed gratitude to the Cooperative Mortgage Bank, Modern Shelter, and Brains & Hammers for their collaboration in the flagship housing program.
Low-Cost Housing
President of the Cooperative Association of Nigeria, Tajudeen Aiyeola, urged State Governors and Ministers at the national level to take deliberate actions in providing low-cost housing for Nigerian citizens.
He emphasised that achieving substantial provision for affordable housing is possible with government interest, encouraging local production of housing materials, cost reduction, and facilitating access to work-based loans.
Mr. Ayeola said the cooperative structure is a crucial instrument for the government to implement social and economic programs aimed at the welfare of Nigerians.
While addressing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Aiyeola commended the uncommon initiative, emphasizing the eradication of poverty in Nigeria by prioritising the middle and lower classes.
He called for collective efforts from the government, governmental parastatals, agencies, and the private sector to focus on member welfare and reduce turnaround time in Nigeria.
Aiyeola urged all agencies in Nigeria to follow suit, commending the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for initiating programs that benefit the people.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while commending the Nigeria Customs service for the project, acknowledged that the initiative will contribute to the state’s economic development, aligning with his commitment to providing housing and other developmental projects.
He lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs for this endeavour and urged everyone to support it, emphasizing its potential to boost the state’s economy and provide value to Nigerian agencies.
High point of the event was the presentation of housing documents to respective recipients, a tour of the various types of One bedroom bungalows, two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows three-bedroom semi-detached and detached bungalows and
Four-bedroom bungalow.
