After over 20 years of withdrawal from the Federal government housing scheme, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the reintegration of state workers into the mortgage facility.

The Kano State Government pledged the commitment of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to the scheme.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Management and Staff of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) on Friday, Kano state head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, said the re-entry to the housing scheme was part of the unwavering commitment of the government to improve workers welfare.

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Musa stressed that Governor Yusuf recognized the imperative of accommodation to productivity and efficiency of the workforce hence, he considered keying back to the housing fund provisions.

While emphasising the assurance of affordability of the Federal government housing scheme, the head of service maintained that the government also considered returning to the scheme to reduce the housing deficit in the state.

He urged workers and labour unions to embrace the opportunity afforded by the central government through the Federal Mortgage Bank to own their personal homes and reduce the social economic pressure of renting.

Managing director, FMBN, Shehu Usman Osidi, said the decision of the Kano State Government to return to the NHF scheme after more than two decades testified to the government’s renewed commitment to improving the living standards of its workforce.

Osidi explained that the agreement with the state signals helping workers enjoy various housing finance products offered by FMBN nationwide.

According to him, the Mortgage bank provides loans at single-digit interest rates between six and seven per cent for home ownership; individual construction home renovation; cooperative housing development, and rent-to-own schemes among other facilities that enable housing solutions.

The MD said the bank has financed 10 housing projects in Kano worth over N6.8 billion, most of which have been completed and delivered.

Besides, he revealed that an additional N1.3 billion loan facility is being advanced under the home renovation facility, urging workers to take advantage of owning their own homes.