FG Appproves N10b Housing Loan Scheme For Civil Servants

The Federal Government has approved a 10 billion Naira housing loan scheme aimed at improving access to affordable housing for civil servants across the country.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mlrs Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this in Abuja during a stakeholders engagement to mark a renewed strategic collaboration between the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack described the initiative as a major step toward enhancing the well-being and dignity of public servants, noting that it forms part of a broader reform agenda by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She emphasised that the housing scheme goes beyond financial support, representing a deliberate effort to build a more efficient, motivated, and welfare-driven civil service.

According to her, the government has also approved a comprehensive welfare package for civil servants, including a new Exit Benefit Scheme, improved allowances, and enhanced health protection measures.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the Head of the Service commended key institutions such as the National Pensions Commission, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for their contributions to the reforms.

Mrs Wilson Jack noted that the announcement, coming ahead of the May 1 International Workers’ Day, demonstrates the government’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the contributions of civil servants.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Housing Loans Board, Salamatu Ahmed said the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Mortgage Bank would make access to housing loans easier and faster for civil servants.

The Executive Secretary added that the collaboration would ensure that eligible public servants can conveniently access loans to build, purchase, or renovate their homes.

In her remark, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran, announced plans to introduce health insurance coverage and a minimum pension guarantee for low-income retirees, as part of efforts to improve the welfare of former civil servants.

In addition, Oloworaaran explained the government is set to introduce a minimum pension floor to address the plight of retirees earning meagre stipends.

In her words, “This means that no longer will civil servants retire and receive as little as ₦20,000. The minimum pension guarantee will ensure that their standard of living is improved after years of service.”

Other stakeholders present at the event included the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Nta Ekpo among others.

The event was held under the theme: “Strengthening Collaboration to Expand Affordable Housing Loans for Federal Civil Servants.”

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji