The Ebonyi State Government and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at addressing the housing deficit in the state.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru made the call on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, led by its Executive Director, Ms Chinenye Chinedu Anosike, at his office in the Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Governor Nwifuru urged the FMBN to target the construction of at least 1,000 housing units in each state of the federation, noting that such an initiative would encourage state governments to complement the effort with an additional 1,000 units.
He said his administration had taken a quantum leap in housing provision and disclosed that plans were underway for the construction of an additional 600 duplex units.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering more than 1,000 housing units before the end of his tenure, describing housing as a critical component of meaningful development.
“We are talking about practical development. Whatever you do without housing, it means there is no practical development because shelter is important,” he said.
While commending the FMBN for its interventions in the housing sector, Governor Nwifuru urged the bank to ensure that only experienced and competent contractors were engaged in housing projects.
He also called for strict adherence to quality and durability standards, urging the FMBN to collaborate with the Nigerian Institute of Building and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to ensure that housing projects met required standards.
The governor further advocated modern housing designs that would befit their locations and provide the necessary infrastructure and aesthetic improvements.
He particularly urged the FMBN to reconsider its continued investment in bungalows for federal workers, stressing the need for modern structures capable of maximising available land and improving the overall outlook of communities.
Earlier, Ms Anosike said the FMBN’s visit was aimed at exploring collaboration with the Ebonyi State Government towards providing affordable housing estates for residents of the state.
She disclosed that the proposed Ebonyi Housing Estate was expected to provide approximately 800 housing units for the state’s workforce.
According to her, the project would be implemented under a public-private partnership arrangement, with the Ebonyi State Government expected to provide on-site and off-site infrastructure and make available unencumbered land for the development of the estate.
The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts by the state government and the FMBN to expand access to quality and affordable housing for workers and residents of Ebonyi State.
