Ogun Public Servants Assured of Access to NHF Loan Benefits

Public servants in Ogun State who contribute to the National Housing Fund (NHF) have been assured of access to low-interest housing loans provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, made this known while declaring open a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for the informal sector. The programme, themed “Accessing the Benefits of the National Housing Fund and Other Products of the Bank,” was held at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Abeokuta.

Onasanya explained that the low-interest loan facility was designed to enable workers build, purchase or renovate residential houses. He noted that application forms could be accessed through labour organisations in the state, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, among others.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr. Jola Oyeneye, the Head of Service said the initiative had received strong backing from the present administration, encouraging public servants to take advantage of the loan package, which is expected to take effect in the coming weeks.

He further disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed between his office and the NHF to facilitate and fast-track the scheme’s operations for the benefit of the entire workforce. He urged workers to utilise the opportunity and familiarise themselves with the application process.

Onasanya added that the number of houses constructed under the current administration had surpassed those of previous governments and that the projects were evenly distributed across the three senatorial districts of the state. According to him, the housing initiative is aimed at improving access to affordable housing for residents.

Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Branch Manager of FMBN, Mr. Babatope Oyeyinka, commended the state governor and the Head of Service for their support in ensuring the success of the programme.

He noted that Ogun State ranked among the best in terms of staff welfare, as the government had consistently remitted NHF contributions without owing any outstanding debt.

Oyeyinka explained that the scheme, which is backed by law, offers loans at low interest rates with flexible repayment terms spread over several years.

He also outlined the documents required for loan application, including a completed application form, photocopy of title documents, tax clearance certificate, and evidence of NHF participation, among others.

The FMBN manager appealed to leaders of various informal sector groups to sensitise their members on the opportunities and benefits provided by the scheme.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Comrade Hameed Benco, described the initiative as commendable, noting that the programme had further enlightened workers on the services provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

He added that the collaboration had helped bring government policies closer to workers, particularly in the area of accessible housing.

Benco urged the FMBN to continually increase the funds available to workers in order to ease access to housing loans. He also affirmed that the labour union would leverage its communication platforms to promote awareness of the scheme among workers.

Representatives of various informal sector groups present at the sensitisation programme included the Plank Sellers Association of Nigeria, Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria, cooperative societies, artisans, and other stakeholders.