The Nigerian Government has announced its collaboration with stakeholders in the housing sector to tackle housing deficit faced by Civil servants.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Government Staff Housing Loans Board, Salamatu-Ladi Ahmed, stated this in an interview with journalists at the quarterly Permanent Secretary Forum with union leaders in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Ahmed explained that “the partnership had become necessary due to the huge demand from Civil servants and the impact of inflation.”
“By doing that, they’ll reduce the burden that’s on the Board. As you know, the Board covers all Federal Public Servants and of course, you know it’s not easy, especially now that the cost of housing in Abuja has become very high,” she said.
According to her, the Board is also considering ways to reduce the cost of houses while increasing the loan ceiling.
“We have a special scheme for officers on grade levels 8–14. This is because they have a larger number of years in the service, and as they progress, every four years, we will increase their repayment terms,” she explained.
The Executive Secretary further disclosed that preparations are almost complete for the launch of three estates for civil servants in Kuje and parts of Nasarawa State.
“We are looking for land where we can build directly. By doing that, the cost of the houses will reduce,” she stressed.
Ahmed also noted that the Board’s interest rate remains at only 3%, making it the lowest available.
The Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Patience Oyekunle, said the Forum was convened to foster open dialogue between the OHCSF and union leadership across MDAs.
Oyekunle described the quarterly forum as proof of the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants.
“We recognise that meaningful progress is best achieved through collaborative dialogue, shared responsibility, and sustained engagement,” she said.
Oyekunle added that the Forum is part of a strategy to build and strengthen partnerships with the workforce.
Also at the Forum, the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) disclosed that it is carrying out extensive sensitisation across MDAs on the benefits of enrolling in the scheme.
Deputy General Manager, Claims Usman Tumsa, expressed optimism that, sooner than expected, every public servant in Nigeria would have the opportunity to benefit from the Fund.
Tumsa further revealed that the Fund is currently simplifying its claims application process.
“We’ve continuously done so, so that more and more people can achieve that level of compliance. We’ve also been trying to digitalise our process so that people can apply for compensation from the comfort of their homes,” Tumsa said.