In an attempt to deplete Nigeria’s housing deficit, the Federal Government has graciously delivered at least 129 houses to outstanding beneficiaries, funded by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and developed by Modern Shelter Ltd here at the Nasarawa Technology Village, Karu, Nasarawa State.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban, Muttaqha Rabe Darma said “we are handing over keys to 129  beneficiaries to  demonstrate what can be achieved when stakeholders work together to resolve challenges in housing delivery,”marking the conversion of a difficult chapter into a new beginning for Nigerian families.

According to Darma,these beneficiaries were profiled under the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Rent-to-Own programme, but following the allocation of part of the Brains & Hammers Bungalow City project to security agencies, they could not take possession of their homes.

He explained that out of the 651 beneficiaries the project was to accommodate, 251 received no allocation, and their r concerns, their expectations and their right to the benefit of the National Housing Fund contributions were all legitimate and government therefore had to intervene.

“The Ministry could not remain indifferent to a situation in which citizens who had fulfilled their obligations were left waiting for homes.Accordingly, we engaged the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the developer, the National Assembly and other stakeholders, and our intervention was not about apportioning blame,” he added.

Similarly, the Minister said that  FMBN will continue strengthening its processes, deepening partnerships with credible developers and ensuring that funds translate into completed, occupied homes, as they are committed to actions by delivering affordable housing, improving access to housing finance and enabling private sector participation.

Also, the Managing Director of the Bank, Shehu  Osidi said the units are the first batch out of the 251 houses  expected to be delivered under the Rent-to-Own beneficiaries,saying,  challenges were to take possession of the allocated homes under the Brains & Hammers Bungalow City project, also funded by the Bank.

Osidi explained, “It is a promise kept. What we are having today is  a clear message: FMBN will not abandon any NHF contributor who has demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the National Housing Fund (NHF) and to the Bank.For us, the National Housing Fund scheme is not just a financial pool.”

The Managing Director further argued that the development
represents the contributions, aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerian workers and citizens who trust the Government and the Bank to translate their contributions into the opportunity to own decent and affordable homes.

He therefore noted that when challenges arise in the delivery of a housing project, our responsibility does not end with identifying the challenge. Our responsibility is to find solutions, and also is a demonstration of commitment to the customer, institutional responsibility and a result of robust stakeholder management.

“We have a clear commitment that the remaining 122 units will be completed and ready for allocation before the end of 2026 as directed by the Minister. Indeed, by end of 2026, we are returning to this location for the commissioning of the additional 122 housing units, alongside another 190 housing units being funded by FMBN.”

Similarly, the Managing Director hinted that in 2019, the Bank funded a project by Brains & Hammers Ltd, otherwise known as the Bungalow City, conceived to deliver houses to contributors to the NHF. Due to the eventual allocation of part of the estate to security agencies, some beneficiaries could not get allocation for their houses.