The Federal Government Integrated Housing (FISH) programme is part of government’s initiative toward addressing the housing needs of Civil Servants, particularly those at the lower cadre who are unable to own their own houses due to the costs of land acquisition, building and purchase.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, FCA, NPoM, stated this at the public presentation of the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) Handbooks for Investors, Real Estate Developers, Operators and Civil Servants,FISH Website and commissioning of FISH Estates I & II, in Kuje, Abuja on Thursday, 20th December, 2018.
Mrs. Oyo-Ita described the FISH programme as a dream come true, noting that the scheme is to provide quality and affordable housing for Civil Servants.
According to her, the overall objective of the FISH programme is to improve the quality of life of Civil Servants and their families, which will help foster a multiplier effect on the economy and reduce corruption in the public service in line with the Federal Government’s anti-corruption drive.
“As you can all testify, housing is a basic human need central to well being. The importance of FISH programme, therefore, cannot be overemphasized,” she said.
Mrs. Oyo-Ita explained that the three handbooks and the websites were further steps taken to make relevant information available to Civil Servants, Investors, Real Estate Developers, staff and the general public on FISH processes, guidelines and requirements for subscription and partnership.
She disclosed that to further boost the FISH programme, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is making efforts to secure bulk land allocation from Federal Capital Territory and other State Governments, which will drastically reduce the cost of housing for Civil Servants across the country.
The Executive Secretary, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, Dr. (Mrs.) Hannatu Fika commended the visionary leadership of Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita. She said the Head of Civil Service of the Federation has matched her words with action which has culminated into the commissioning of FISH Housing Estates 1& II in Kuje, Abuja.
She said that the FGSHLB will continue to work towards making loans available to Public Servants to be able to key into the FISH programme.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, mni, appreciated the commitment of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and her giant strides in the improvement of the welfare of Civil Servants. She acknowledged the efforts of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as strategic partners, whose supports have contributed immensely toward the actualization of the vision and the mission of the FISH programme.
Dewan Nengak Goshit
For: Director Communications
Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
