The Trade Union Congress has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a private company with a view to getting 2,000 housing units for its members.
The TUC National President, Quadri Olaleye, disclosed this while signing the MoU with Hartfield and Haul Limited at the secretariat of Ogun State Chapter of TUC, Ibara, Abeokuta, to herald a pilot scheme of 2000 housing units for the Nigerian workers.
Olaleye said the low cost housing estate was to be built based on Public-Private-Partnership in some selected areas of Ogun State such as Sagamu, Abeokuta, Baara along Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta Expressway among others.
He added that the gesture was aimed at ensuring decent housing for workers toiling day and night for the development of the country.
He said it was disheartening that the Nigerian government was not doing enough to provide shelter for the teeming populace.
The TUC leader said, “What our leaders usually do is to embark on groundbreaking foundation ceremony of housing estates that are later abandoned midway whereas having decent housing is a right for all Nigerians and not a privilege. I sincerely wish that the government will start living up to the expectations of all of us.
“With this TUC pilot housing starting in Ogun State and which is going to be a huge success by the special grace of God, we also hope the government will take a cue from us and show sincere commitment towards providing decent housing for Nigerians.”
Olaleye added, “On our part, this lofty move shows that TUC doesn’t joke with the welfare of Nigerian workers. “We believe that Nigerian workers deserve decent roofs on their heads where they could raise their families and retire after the day’s jobs.
“We don’t want them to be enslaved by any landlord and that is why we will follow through with this enviable initiative.”
The TUC leader appealed to Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, to help with all the logistic support necessary for the success of the project.
The Chief Executive Officer of Hartfield and Haul Limited, Segun Kaka, declared that the need to support Abiodun in his housing projects drive gave birth to the decision to partner with the union.
Kaka said, “It is obvious the present administration in Ogun State under Gov Dapo Abiodun is doing so much to provide housing for the people.
“However, we know that the government couldn’t do all these alone. So, we decided to partner with TUC to see how we can help in providing at least 2000 housing units for Nigerian workers and once we are through with the paperwork and other approvals, the construction will commence immediately.”
The Chairman, TUC Special Project Committee, Dr Benjamin Akintola, and the Secretary General of the union, Musa Lawal, described the housing project as very historic and laudable.
source: punch ng
