By Oluwaseyi Fadoro
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has assured Lagos State workers desirous of good and affordable homes to come under its banner and afford themselves of such cover.
FMBN Managing Director Architect Ahmed Dangiwa disclosed this at a sensitization workshop organised by FMBN, Ikeja District Branch for Lagos State workers.
Dangiwa who was represented by the FMBN Executive Director, Business Development and Portfolio Management, Mr Umar Dankane said the bank is also set to collaborate with the state government to achieve the home for all target.
He opined that with the rapid increase in population of the country, there was need to boost housing delivery, especially in Lagos.
He stressed that the bank has evolved with products that would suit the needs of the workers at a single digit interest rate.
“The products afford workers the opportunities to buy, build or renovate their houses.” he said.
He further said FMBN has undergone scaling transformations that made it stronger to deliver its mandate effectively.
“FMBN process is now automated, our contributors can now receive SMS alert for National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions made from their monthly salaries,” the FMBN boss said.
The Branch Manager, FMBN Ikeja district, Mrs Margaret Sowande also commended the Lagos State Government for considering housing schemes for its workers.
She said, the NHF was established by NHF Act of 1992, it is a mandatory scheme that all employers of labour must fulfill by deducting and remitting 2.5 per cent of the basic monthly salary of its workers to the Fund.
“The FMBN is so passionate about all Nigerians, workers in private sector can also benefit from the scheme,” she said.
She said despite the “non – compliance status’’ of Lagos State Ministries and Agencies, some public servants have benefited from the “Home Renovation Loan” up to the tune of N131.6 million
The Head of Service, Lagos, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola commended the FMBN boss for placing workers in the state on the list the bank’s priorities.
Muri-Okunola, who was represented by Arc.Foluso Dipe urged the participants to take the opportunity extended to them by FMBN and own their own personal homes.
The State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos Council, Comrade Funmi Sessi said the NLC will seek ways the scheme will benefit workers maximally.
“This is what we have been praying for, I task all of us to make use of the opportunity on time,” Sessi said.