FIC Report (Benue State) – The Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme received a major boost in Benue State as the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) officially took over 116 housing units under the National Housing Programme from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of the Benue State Government.
The housing estate, located along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol Barracks Road in Makurdi, comprises one, two and three-bedroom bungalows.
The formal handover took place at the Old Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House on Wednesday 1 July 2026.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Director and Head of Building and Housing, Quantity Surveyor Pemi S. Tomitope, described the partnership between the Federal and Benue State governments as a significant milestone in addressing the state’s housing needs.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for prioritising affordable housing and disclosed that, under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, additional housing projects are already under construction in Benue State.
Tomitope explained that the housing units were designed to address accommodation challenges facing civil servants and other low-income earners rather than serve as profit-making ventures.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, said the acquisition followed Governor Hyacinth Alia’s directive to expand access to affordable housing after concerns were raised over the cost of homes at the Benue Eco City Estate.
According to him, the new estate will provide affordable home ownership opportunities for civil servants, low-income earners and other residents through a flexible rent-to-own arrangement.
He explained that the houses would be allocated using a 40:40:20 model, with 40 per cent reserved for civil servants, 40 per cent for the general public and 20 per cent for low-income earners.
Dr. Asemakaha said the initiative is expected to reduce the high cost of rent in Makurdi, bridge the housing deficit and promote the inclusive development agenda of the state government.
He also directed that one of the housing units be converted into a Nigerian Police Force outpost to enhance security within the estate.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Acting Head of Civil Service, Dr. Eunice Ogbenyi Ihu, said the housing estate would ease accommodation challenges facing workers in the state.
She also commended the state government for fulfilling its promise to immortalise the late Head of Service, Dr. Agbogbo Ode.
Representing the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, the Deputy Majority Whip, Dr. Simon Gabo, lauded the government for expanding affordable housing opportunities for workers.
Also speaking, the Branch Manager of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Yange, explained that prospective beneficiaries would obtain allocation documents from BIPC before the bank verifies their National Housing Fund contributions to determine eligibility for mortgage financing.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
