The federal government has sanctioned a significant N10 billion housing scheme intended to address Nigeria's housing deficit and promote affordable homeownership opportunities for public sector employees in the low to middle- income brackets.
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of Service of the Federation, revealed this development in Abuja on Friday during a joint press conference attended by representatives from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the National Pension Commission, and other key agencies.
"His Excellency, the President, has approved a ten billion Naira housing loan initiative for civil servants to enhance their access to owning a home. This loan facility will be managed and disbursed through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board," Walson-Jack stated.
She further emphasized the psychological and professional benefits of homeownership, noting, "There's a common saying that an individual who owns their home possesses a distinct standing. When a civil servant knows their family has a permanent residence, they approach their work with enhanced confidence and a stronger sense of purpose. This stability fosters greater focus and dedication, which is precisely why the federal government has launched this scheme."
In addition to the housing initiative, other employee benefits were announced. These include the provision of 100% of a retiring employee's total annual emoluments to Treasury-funded civil servants enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, effective from January 1, 2026, in accordance with Section 44A of the Pension Reform Act 2014. This provision empowers employers to grant additional retirement benefits.
Further incentives include an increase in the peculiar allowance, full payment of duty tour allowance (100%) for civil servants attending approved training programs at designated institutions, and provisions for estacode and book allowances, among other benefits.
Walson-Jack explained that these adjustments have been carefully calibrated to align with prevailing economic conditions.
Mr. Shehu Usman Osidi, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, highlighted the collaborative effort, describing the partnership with the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board as the commencement of a transformative process aimed at improving affordable housing for Nigerians, particularly civil servants.
"The formalization of this strategic partnership signifies the beginning of a renewed commitment to enhancing the lives and welfare of Nigerian workers, especially our dedicated Federal Civil Servants, who form the bedrock of our nation's public service. At the FMB, we firmly believe that access to safe, decent, and affordable housing is not a privilege but a fundamental requirement. It is crucial for personal dignity, professional productivity, and national advancement.
"This conviction drives our core mandate through the National Housing Fund scheme, which has consistently focused on broadening access to affordable housing finance for Nigerian workers. Throughout the years, we have empowered thousands of Nigerians to achieve homeownership via the National Housing Fund mortgage loan scheme.
"The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria will supply the necessary funding to the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board for subsequent on-lending to federal civil servants.
"The program will offer various options designed to cater to the diverse housing requirements of workers, encompassing home purchase, renovation, rental assistance, and incremental housing development. In the current Nigerian economic landscape, the imperative for innovative housing solutions is undeniable, considering the persistent rise in housing needs and escalating costs of construction materials," Osidi elaborated.
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