Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, on Wednesday pledged to partner with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and other relevant agencies to address the housing deficit in the state. 

Mr Bago made the pledge when he received the FMBN Managing Director, Shehu Osidi, and his team in Government House, Minna.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday in Minna, the governor urged financial institutions to select viable sites for housing development to ensure effective service delivery.

On the funds allegedly owed to the bank, Mr Bago said his administration had created a sinking fund upon assumption of office to gradually clear the debt.

He appreciated the visit of the FMBN’s management team and assured them that the state government would investigate the alleged debt to obtain full details.

In his remarks, Mr Osidi expressed the bank’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships with the Niger government to promote affordable home ownership for Nigerians.

He revealed that the bank had financed and delivered over 700 housing units through 12 different projects valued at ₦3.7 billion.

Mr Osidi further disclosed that the bank was offering two housing projects to the state for outright purchase, aimed at providing immediate housing solutions for the state’s workforce.

He also noted that over ₦2 billion had been disbursed to 2,420 civil servants in the state through the home renovation loan scheme.

Additionally, he highlighted several other housing initiatives tailored to meet the needs of low- and middle-income earners.

Mr Osifi reaffirmed FMBN’s commitment to partnering with Mr Bago’s administration in realising its vision of improving the living standards of Niger residents. 

(NAN)