Oborevwori approves land for workers’ housing estate

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, presented a Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

Oborevwori explained that the workers’ estate was deemed necessary as junior and middle-level workers committed the bulk of their salaries to payment of rent.

The governor, who received the management of FMBN led by its Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul, at Government House, Asaba, said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.

The governor disclosed that the land, measuring about 10.1 hectares and situated at Core Area 2, Ibusa, was allocated for the development of a housing scheme under the collaboration of the FMBN, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

He said, “Most of the salaries of our junior and middle-level workers are consumed by rent. That is why this housing scheme is so important. I appeal to the Federal Mortgage Bank to ensure the project is delivered on time and made accessible to those for whom it is intended.

“Although, the C of O was ready since January 2024, the presentation was delayed by administrative processes. We waived statutory fees amounting to about N200m to ease the acquisition process in the interest of workers.”

Earlier, Abdul commended the governor for his strides in infrastructural development across the state, particularly in Asaba and its environs.

He called on local government councils in the Delta to contribute to the National Housing Fund to enable the bank to extend housing projects to the grassroots.

He assured that the FMBN was committed to addressing the country’s housing deficit, estimated at between 20 and 22 million units, through mortgage creation and construction loans.

According to him, the bank currently has about nine ongoing housing projects in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other parts of the country, and is determined to replicate the initiative in Delta State.

“With the Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City project of Mr. President, our target is to provide affordable housing for Nigerians at all levels, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. Delta is very key to the success of this national plan, and we want to make a lasting impact here,” Abdul added.