Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, officially handed over a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the development of a workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, located in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The presentation, which took place at Government House in Asaba, marks a significant step in the state government’s efforts to collaborate with the Federal Government to improve the welfare of workers through affordable housing initiatives.
Governor Oborevwori revealed that the allocated land spans approximately 10.1 hectares in Core Area 2 of Ibusa and is designated for a housing scheme under a tripartite collaboration involving the FMBN, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Although the C of O had been ready since January 2024, he noted that its presentation was delayed by administrative procedures.
In a show of commitment to the welfare of workers, the governor announced that the state had waived about N200 million in statutory fees associated with the land acquisition.
“Many of our junior and middle-level workers spend a large portion of their salaries on rent. This project is crucial to easing that burden,” Oborevwori said. He also urged the FMBN to ensure timely delivery of the housing units and to keep them accessible to the intended beneficiaries.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging collaboration between federal agencies and state governments, pledging full support for the housing project in Delta.
In his remarks, FMBN Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul, praised the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development across the state, especially in Asaba and surrounding areas.
Dr. Abdul also called on local governments in Delta to contribute to the National Housing Fund (NHF), which enables the bank to roll out housing initiatives in grassroots communities.
Highlighting FMBN’s mission, he noted that the bank—established over 32 years ago—is dedicated to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit, currently estimated at 20 to 22 million units, through the provision of construction loans and mortgage services.
He stated that FMBN is currently executing nine housing projects in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, and expressed determination to expand such efforts in Delta State.
“With the Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City initiative of President Tinubu, our goal is to deliver affordable housing to Nigerians at all levels, especially the underserved. Delta State plays a strategic role in this national vision, and we aim to make a lasting impact here,” Dr. Abdul added.
