1,000 homes financed by FHFL now commissioned in the state for low-income earners, IDPs
Previously displaced persons and low-income earners in Ngamdu town in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno state have joined a fast-growing number of families in the state with access to decent homes of their own.
The 300 housing units of semi-detached 2-bedrooms were commissioned on Friday by the Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, in company of the Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), Femi Adewole and the managing team of FHFL.
In partnership with the state government, the Family Homes Funds financed the project and provided other technical support required to improve the living condition of low-income earners and Internally Displaced Persons in the state.
Ngamdu is one of several towns that have dealt with attacks by insurgent groups over the years, which has led to displacements and loss of homes. This project, which is one of many, complements the state’s initiative to re-construct, rehabilitate and resettle thousands of families as a new lease of life begins.
Through a partnership between the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari at the center and the spirited leadership of the State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, up to 3,200 families who have had to contend with the challenge of being displaced and living in makeshift tents will have access to brand new homes in their original communities to start new lives. The scheme, financed by the Family Homes Funds and taking place across several parts of the state is also providing up to 12,000 jobs for young people and enabling the long journey towards rebuilding these communities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the State Governor was upbeat about the impact of the scheme.
‘’We began this partnership with the Family Homes Funds about two years ago, and so far, we are delighted about the impact that the partnership is making. We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Family Homes Funds for this very important contribution towards the rebuilding of several communities in Borno state. On our part, we shall ensure that the remaining homes are completed within the next year and are allocated to the most vulnerable people in our state. We also look forward to more of this partnership, especially through the social housing programme that is being implemented by the Family Homes Funds throughout the country.
‘’As we have always mentioned, our decision to partner with Family Homes Funds was influenced by the need to ensure protection and safety of our people. So, we are happy to present these homes to families that have been displaced and homeless for a long time now. We are also ready to relocate many more families as more homes are completed in other parts of the state. IDP camps have been faced with so many challenges, and we believe these homes will come as a great relief for the families.’’
On his part, the Managing Director of the Family Homes Funds reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, wherever they may be.
‘’We are here as a testament to the partnership we have enjoyed with Borno state, and the hardworking Governor, with whom we have shared values towards improving the lives of people. Borno state was the very first partner of the Family Homes Funds, and we are delighted that the promise of delivering affordable homes to some of the most vulnerable people in our nation is being fulfilled. It is our privilege to partner with the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Zulum.
‘’The Family Homes Funds is unquestionably focused on its responsibility for delivering on the Government’s agenda for ensuring that millions of Nigerians living in unacceptable housing conditions not only have access to a safe, decent, and affordable home but sustainable jobs too. We are therefore pleased to have had the opportunity on behalf of the Government of President Buhari to support the Government of Borno State on this initiative which has started to impact lives directly. We look forward to the completion of the entire scheme and happy about the opportunity to expand it through the social housing programme.’’
Following the commissioning, about five families who were previously displaced were given land certificates and title documents
to immediately move into the new homes.
Two months ago, 700 homes comprising of 200 in Chibok and 500 in Yana Yaskuri were completed and handed over to previously displaced families as well, making it a total of 1,000 homes that have now been completed and handed over to beneficiaries in the state.
The scheme validates FHFL’s commitment to social housing in Nigeria, as the houses are only priced at N1.8 million.
With over 11,615 homes either completed or in the process, Family Homes Funds projects in several states across the country like Delta, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and others have employed at least 64,000 workers – directly and indirectly.
The company’s affordable housing projects provide jobs for contractors, developers, engineers, site supervisors, admin staff, property managers, artisans, masons, plumbers, electricians, iron benders, foremen, gardeners, laborers, cleaners, tillers, storekeepers, security guards, food vendors, suppliers, and other products and service providers tied to the construction sites.
Family Homes Funds is rapidly deepening the capacity for Nigeria to continuously deliver affordable homes for millions of Nigerians on low-income who would need those homes the most.
Before the end of 2021, the company plans to finance the development of about 50,000 more homes for low-income earners like civil servants, traders, and members of cooperatives.
These affordable housing projects, including the Federal Government’s National Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which is being implemented by the Family Homes Funds to deliver 300,000 homes across every state in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory are not only a huge opportunity to help reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit, but they have been recognized by FHFL as drivers of post-covid recovery and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
