In a bid to address pending payments, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria has reached out to the Abia State government for assistance in recovering outstanding loan payments from civil servants. The loan, which spans from 2019 to May 2025, has seen some deductions made by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies go unremitted, hindering the updating of records and threatening the sustainability of the program.
During a meeting in Umuahia with the Abia State Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, the Executive Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, Mrs. Chineye Anosike, lamented the situation and appealed for the state’s intervention. She also took the opportunity to commend the administration of Governor Alex Otti for its achievements since taking office. Furthermore, Mrs. Anosike announced the official handover of keys to the remaining 18 houses at the Ubani Housing Estate, completing the 100 houses built by the Federal Mortgage Bank.
The meeting also saw a former labour union leader, Mr. Chris Okoro, weigh in on the matter, urging both the Abia State Head of Service and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to look into the plight of civil servants whose contributions for housing projects were deducted years ago but have yet to benefit from the scheme. Mr. Okoro expressed regret that many of these individuals continue to live in rented apartments despite their contributions.
Mr. Benson Ojeikere, in his address, emphasized the Abia State government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants, describing them as the backbone of both government and other sectors. He noted that the Federal Mortgage Bank’s housing projects align with the state’s efforts to support its civil servants. Mr. Ojeikere appealed to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to revive suspended housing projects, make them more affordable, and review the eligibility conditions for civil servants to access the bank’s facilities. This move aims to ensure that more civil servants can benefit from the housing scheme, addressing the current disparity where contributions have been made but benefits have not been realized.
