Ogun State Government is set to facilitate access to low-interest housing loans for public servants under the National Housing Fund (NHF), in partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), as part of efforts to boost home ownership and expand housing development across the state.
The initiative was disclosed by the State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, during a sensitisation programme organised by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for workers in the informal sector at the Nigeria Labour Congress Secretariat in Abeokuta. The programme, themed “Accessing the Benefit of National Housing Fund and Other Products of the Bank,” was aimed at deepening awareness and participation in the scheme.
Onasanya explained that the collaboration between the Ogun State Government and FMBN would enable eligible public servants who are contributors to the NHF to access affordable loans tailored for building, purchasing, or renovating residential houses. He noted that the process had been structured to ensure wider reach through organised labour groups and professional associations.
“The low-interest loan has been set aside for workers to build, purchase and improve their residential houses, and the forms can be accessed through recognised bodies such as the Nigeria Labour Congress, Association of Senior Civil Servants and the Nigeria Union of Teachers,” he said.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr Jola Oyeneye, the Head of Service added that the government had already taken concrete steps to ensure seamless implementation of the programme. He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with the NHF to fast-track access and remove bureaucratic delays that often hinder workers from benefiting.
He further stated that the loan package would become operational within weeks, urging public servants to position themselves early and take advantage of the opportunity. According to him, the present administration has prioritised housing delivery, recording significant progress across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“The percentage of houses built by this administration has surpassed previous efforts, and the projects are spread across all senatorial districts to ensure inclusiveness and ease of access,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Branch Manager of FMBN, Mr Babatope Oyeyinka, commended the state government for its commitment to workers’ welfare, describing Ogun as a leading state in NHF compliance. He attributed this to consistent remittances by the government, noting that the state currently has no outstanding obligations under the scheme.
“Ogun State remains one of the best in terms of staff welfare because of the continuous remittance made by the government, with no debt owed,” Oyeyinka stated.
He explained that the NHF loan scheme is backed by law and designed to provide long-term, low-interest financing options that are affordable for workers. He added that repayment plans are structured over several years to reduce financial pressure on beneficiaries.
Oyeyinka also outlined key requirements for accessing the loan, including a completed application form, photocopy of title documents, tax clearance certificate, and evidence of NHF contributions. He called on labour leaders and associations to intensify awareness efforts to ensure more workers benefit from the scheme.
In his remarks, the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Comrade Hameed Benco, described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it has brought housing policies closer to workers.
“This initiative is commendable as it has further enlightened us on the services available through FMBN and strengthened access to affordable housing for workers,” he said.
He added that organised labour would continue to support the programme by mobilising its members and using its communication channels to promote participation among the workforce.
