By Uzair Adam
The Kano State government has rejoined the National Housing Fund (NHF) Contribution scheme after a 25-year absence, following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
The agreement, signed by the state’s Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, on behalf of the government and FMBN’s Managing Director, Shehu Usman Osidi, marks a renewed commitment to improving housing access for civil servants.
During the signing ceremony, Osidi assured the Kano government of FMBN’s dedication to ensuring that state workers benefit from the scheme.
He disclosed that the bank has financed ten housing projects in Kano, investing over N6.8 billion, with most of the projects completed and delivered.
“This development is a milestone in our collective efforts to provide sustainable and affordable homeownership opportunities for Nigerian workers, particularly in Kano State,” Osidi stated.
He described the state’s return to the scheme as historic, noting that thousands of civil servants had been unable to access housing loans since the state’s withdrawal in 2000.
Under the renewed agreement, Kano’s civil servants will now have access to various housing finance options, including mortgage loans at single-digit interest rates, individual construction loans, home renovation loans, cooperative housing development loans, and rent-to-own schemes.
There are also non-interest mortgage products designed to meet ethical financing standards. The Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, expressed regret over the previous withdrawal from the scheme, stating that it had deprived workers of crucial financial opportunities.
“This initiative aligns with our unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare and well-being of our dedicated civil servants,” he said.
FMBN assured that ongoing reforms within the bank have improved efficiency, transparency, and digitalized processes, which will ensure that contributors can access funds more easily and that refunds to retirees are processed promptly.