Joel Ajayi
In a determined effort to ensure affordable housing for all Nigerians, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board (FGSHLB), Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed, has embarked on an inspection of ongoing housing projects in Nigeria’s capital city. During the inspection, she reiterated the board’s commitment to making housing accessible to civil servants.
Speaking on Thursday during a site visit to housing projects located in Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Karachi in the FCT, as well as in Nasarawa State, Hajiya Ahmed expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work.
The Dukpa Gwagwalada housing unit, consisting of 20 units of 3-bedroom apartments, is nearing completion with final finishing touches underway. The prototype housing project in Kuje includes 48 units of 2-bedroom flats, six 3-bedroom flats, and six duplexes. The Karachi project in Nasarawa State comprises 45 housing units—16 units of 3-bedroom flats, 23 units of 2-bedroom flats, and three semi-detached bungalows.
“I am very impressed with the quality of materials being used. I am optimistic that these estates will be ready for commissioning by June this year,” she said.
She highlighted the affordability of the housing projects, stating: “Houses are becoming increasingly expensive, but thankfully, these projects remain within the reach of federal civil servants. What they need is decent, comfortable, and good-quality shelter. Unfortunately, many civil servants live far from the city—in Nasarawa, Suleja, and other distant areas—because of the high cost of rent in Abuja.”
Ahmed noted that transportation costs and skyrocketing rent are straining the already limited salaries of civil servants. She disclosed that a 2-bedroom bungalow is priced at ₦17 million, a 3-bedroom flat at ₦22 million, and a 3-bedroom duplex at ₦30 million.
Appealing for increased funding, she stated: “We are only able to carry out these projects in phases due to funding constraints. We need more support to expand and complete additional projects across the country.”
When asked about private sector involvement in the scheme, she responded, “Not yet. We are currently relying on annual budget allocations. We’ve tried to source funds from other channels, but nothing has materialized so far.”
She explained that high-interest rates from private lenders—typically around 10 to 15%—are unaffordable for civil servants, whose monthly salary, particularly at level 8, is just over ₦100,000.
“A loan of ₦20 million with 10% interest is unrealistic for most civil servants. But under the government’s scheme, the interest is only 3%, with deductions made progressively from salaries. We also review the repayment terms periodically to ensure full repayment before retirement,” she explained.
She emphasized that if land can be provided freely—as was done in Gwagwalada—it would encourage developers to build at lower costs, making homes more affordable for civil servants.
“As long as you’re a federal government employee, you’re entitled to benefit from this scheme. I urge the government to consider the plight of civil servants and increase funding to the board. That’s the only way they can truly benefit from living and working in the city,” she said.
Meanwhile, the developer at the Kuje site, Mr. Rotimi Fasan, confirmed that all infrastructure in the estate has been completed.
“We have a functional road network, a water system, green spaces for children, and a central sewage system, among other facilities. By God’s grace, everything will be ready for commissioning in the coming months,” he said.
According to reports, the FISH Programme—initiated by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) in 2015—is designed to provide affordable housing for federal civil servants. The program adopts an integrated strategy involving group land allocation, inter-ministerial collaboration, and the provision of essential infrastructure and services.
While assuring the timely completion of the Karachi Housing Unit, the Project Manager, Felix Oluwatosin Arowowade, pledged that all 45 units would be ready by the end of June.
“We have developed a functional road network, a water system, green areas, and a playground for children. As you can see, work is progressing steadily, and by the grace of God, the Karachi Housing Unit will be ready for commissioning by the end of June,” he stated.
