Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, on 21st June 2024, commissioned 116 Housing Units of 2 bedroom bungalow at FISH Estate Gwagwalada, a landmark housing project aimed at providing affordable and safe housing for the core civil servants.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Secretary of Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB), Alhaji Ibrahim Abdu Mairiga, expressed his deep gratitude to all the stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success. He acknowledged the divine intervention of Almighty God and praised the leadership and dedication of the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi Esan, who played a crucial role in overcoming initial hurdles and ensuring the project’s accelerated delivery.
Mairiga also thanked the Honorable Minister of Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Arc.Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the permanent secretaries of Federal Ministry of power, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and their respective ministers, the developers, and the FSHLB team for their hard work and commitment.
In his address, the Minister of Federal Ministry of Housing, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa expressed his gratitude to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, for inviting him to be part of the occasion.
He recalled that three years ago, the Federal Ministry of Housing allocated five hectares of land free of charge to the Head of Service for the purpose of housing project for civil servants, which aligned with the present President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for housing development.
The Minister emphasized the crucial role of civil servants in the nation’s development, describing them as the “engine of government” and the “backbone of public administration.” He stressed the importance of prioritizing their welfare, which includes providing decent and affordable housing.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adams Kofarmata commended the HoSF for the provision of affordable housing to deserving civil servants. He also promised that his Ministry would always be available to render any necessary assistance towards the welfare of workers.
Speaking, the Head of Service of the Federation Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who unveiled the commissioning plaque, emphasized the universal recognition of housing as a fundamental human need. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising population and the current house price-income ratio, which makes it difficult for civil servants to own homes.
Dr. Yemi-Esan explained that the FISH program was established to tackle these challenges and deliver affordable housing to federal civil servants. “The programme aims to reduce the cost of housing for civil servants to the barest minimum”. She said.
According to her, the FISH program is a testament to the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants and providing them with decent and affordable housing.
She added that the commissioning ceremony was held as part of this year’s Civil Service Week celebration.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director Overseeing the Office of Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office (SWO) and Chairman, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board’s Governing Council, Dr. Comfort Adeosun affirmed that Federal Civil Servants can now retire happily with a roof over their heads.
She assured that the FISH Department will continue to work to ensure more houses are provided for workers to improve their well-being, as well as guarantee job satisfaction.
Four beneficiaries were officially handed over the keys to their houses.
Obiechina Ngozi
Head, Press & PRU
