The Federal Mortgage Bank (FMB) has urged local government workers as well as civil servants in Akwa Ibom State to obtain mortgage loans to enable them own their houses.
The branch Manager of FMBN, Mr. Efiok Umoren, made the appeal in Uyo at a workshop for members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees(NULGE) in the state.
The workshop with the theme: “Understanding the National Housing Fund(NHF) Products offered by the Bank”, was attended by a cross section of local government workers across the 31 council areas of the state.
Addressing participants at the event, Umoren expressed worry that workers in the state do not approach or apply for mortgage loans from the FMBN.
He urged members of NULGE in the state to avail themselves of various mortgage loans, adding that the 2.5 percent compulsory monthly deductions from their salaries qualify them to access loan facilities.
Umoren unfolded the various mortgage products, such as National Housing Fund loan, Home Renovation loan, NHF Construction loan and Rent to Own loan.
“The essence of the workshop is to enlighten members of NULGE about the various products offered by Federal Mortgage Bank.
“From our experience we have noticed that workers in the state are not coming forward to apply for mortgage loans. In fact, that is why we had to mount this workshop to enlighten them on what they should do.
“We are asking them to come and obtain these loans because they are available for them to become house owners. We need to enlighten them know how to access the loans.
“From their responses and my observations, it is like they are aware of the products but were afraid of coming forward to apply for the loans. However, i believe that after today’s workshop they start applying and obtaining the loans,” Umoren added.
Source: The Nation