NLC Threatens To Pull Out Of NHF

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has threatened the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, to pull out civil servants from the National Housing Fund, NHF, contributory funds over non-remittance of deductions made.

The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero made the threat while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Non-Remittance to the NHF and Utilisation of the Funds from 2011 till Date.

Ajaero said FBN had failed to send alerts to civil servants how much they have been contributing including their monthly deductions.

He urged the lawmakers to take drastic steps to remove the encumbrances to affordable and quality housing to millions of Nigerians especially workers who make the most contributions to the NHF.

Comrade Ajaero noted that the ease of reimbursement to retired workers of contributed funds even after failure to access housing loans is also cumbersome.

He said many workers resort to third party
agencies to fast track the loan application at unofficial fees thus creating perception of corruption in the process of housing loans approval and disbursement to workers who needed the funds.

Managing Director, Mr Madu Hamman said the total amount of contributions from MDAs from 2011 till date is N238 billion, adding that individuals contribution from 2011 till date was N225 million.

He however asked for time to reconcile the conflicting documents from the ministerial housing pilot scheme which was missing from the one the chairman had.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Musa Bagos while cross examining the agency said, the documents submitted by the MD was inconsistent.

Bagos therefore adjourned the hearing to Aug 24, following a request by the MD to enable them put all the necessary documents together.

Oduyemi Odumade, Grace Namiji