The Delta State Government on Tuesday announced a partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to develop housing estates for workers in the state. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this in Asaba while receiving the FMBN management team, led by its Executive Director for Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Mohammed Abdul.
As part of the agreement, Governor Oborevwori presented a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to FMBN for the construction of a housing estate on 10.1 hectares of land at Core Area 2, Ibusa, in Oshimili North Local Government Area. He said the project, undertaken in collaboration with FMBN, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), was part of his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
The governor explained that statutory land fees, estimated at N200 million, had been waived to ease the process and ensure direct benefits for workers. “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,” Oborevwori said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for encouraging federal agencies such as FMBN to collaborate with states on affordable housing initiatives.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdul praised the governor’s achievements in infrastructure development, particularly in Asaba. He urged local governments in Delta to contribute to the National Housing Fund, enabling the bank to extend housing projects to grassroots communities.
Abdul noted that FMBN, in operation for over 32 years, is addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at 20–22 million units. He added that the bank currently has nine housing projects ongoing in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and other states, and is determined to replicate such efforts in Delta.
“With President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City project, our goal is to provide affordable housing for Nigerians at all levels, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. Delta is very key to this national plan and we want to make a lasting impact here,” Abdul said.
