…Inspects Housing Projects, Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Homes
Joel Ajayi

In a renewed push to provide affordable housing for federal civil servants, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board (FGSHLB), Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed, has called for increased funding to accelerate ongoing housing projects across the country.

During a recent inspection tour of housing developments in Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Karachi within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as in Nasarawa State, Hajiya Ahmed reaffirmed the board’s commitment to delivering quality and affordable homes to civil servants.

She expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects, particularly highlighting the Dukpa Gwagwalada site, which features 20 units of 3-bedroom apartments nearing completion.

The Kuje prototype project includes 48 units of 2-bedroom flats, six 3-bedroom flats, and six duplexes, while the Karachi project in Nasarawa boasts 45 units comprising 3-bedroom flats, 2-bedroom flats, and semi-detached bungalows.

“I am impressed with the quality of materials and the pace of work. We expect the estates to be ready for commissioning by June this year,” Ahmed stated.

Stressing the affordability of the homes, she noted that a 2-bedroom bungalow costs ₦17 million, a 3-bedroom flat ₦22 million, and a 3-bedroom duplex ₦30 million—prices tailored to civil servants’ budgets. However, she emphasized that funding limitations remain a major obstacle.

“We are only able to execute these projects in phases due to limited funding. To meet the growing demand and expand to other states, we urgently need more financial support,” she appealed.

She also pointed out the challenges faced by many civil servants who reside far from their workplaces due to high rent in Abuja, resulting in heavy transportation costs and financial strain.

Ahmed explained that while the board relies solely on annual government budget allocations, attempts to secure private sector funding have not materialized due to high-interest rates, which are unaffordable for civil servants earning modest salaries.

“A 10-15% interest loan is not feasible for a level 8 civil servant earning just over ₦100,000 monthly. Through our scheme, loans are offered at just 3% interest, with convenient salary deductions,” she noted.

Highlighting the importance of land availability in reducing construction costs, Ahmed commended the provision of free land in Gwagwalada and called on other states to follow suit to enable wider access to affordable housing.

She concluded by urging the government to prioritize increased funding for FGSHLB, stating: “Every federal government worker deserves a decent home. With better funding, we can make this a reality for more civil servants across the country.”

At the Kuje project site, developer Mr. Rotimi Fasan confirmed that infrastructure such as roads, water systems, green spaces, and sewage facilities are already in place and ready for use.

The projects are being executed under the FISH Programme—an initiative of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) which aims to provide affordable housing for civil servants through coordinated efforts involving land allocation, inter-ministerial collaboration, and infrastructure support.

While assuring the timely completion of the Karachi Housing Unit, the Project Manager, Felix Oluwatosin Arowowade, pledged that all 45 units would be ready by the end of June.

“We have developed a functional road network, a water system, green areas, and a playground for children. As you can see, work is progressing steadily, and by the grace of God, the Karachi Housing Unit will be ready for commissioning by the end of June,” he stated.

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