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over 1,400 FG’s low-cost homes remain unsold in five states
A new report released by a civic organisation- Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) has revealed that about 1,432 low-income homes across five states have remained unoccupied despite being completed.
This group also raised concern that despite N65 billion released to Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) between 2018 and 2020 to facilitate the development of affordable/social homes, most of them are yet to be subscribed by low-income earners.
The PLSI Executive Director, Olusegun Elemo, disclosed this while analysising the performance audit report on the management of resources for provision of affordable/social homes for low-income earners in Nigeria by Family Homes Funds Limited (2018-2020) in Delta, Kano, Ogun, Kaduna and Nasarawa States.
Elemo told newsmen in Abuja that the Federal Government in its bid to fulfill section 16 (2)(d) of the 1999 constitution as amended, stipulated that the government shall provide suitable and adequate shelter for all citizens, as well as the need to accelerate economic recovery through implementation of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 – 2020 initiated by the Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) in 2016 as a special purpose vehicle to help address the housing shortage by delivering affordable homes nationwide.
This was followed with implementation of Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) 2020, which planned to provide 300,000 social homes yearly for low-income earners to address the over 22 million housing deficits with a yearly growth rate of 20per cent, according to Shelter Afrique, a Pan-African Real Estate Finance Institution.
He stated that a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) had indicated a deficit of over 17 million houses in Nigeria, and this requires about 700,000 new houses to be built yearly, compared to the less than 100,000 houses that are being constructed.
Similarly, the World Bank 2018 Report on Nigeria’s Affordable Housing Project revealed that the demand for affordable housing is huge and growing in the face of a sizable deficit and dearth of existing interventions that supports closing this gap.
The report further stated that macroeconomic conditions in Nigeria are the greatest impediments to affordable housing.
A seed capital of N500 billion was promised by the Federal Government for the provision of affordable/social homes for low-income earners, the government released N65 billion to FHFL between 2018 and 2020.
According to Elemo, despite the release of funds to FHFL to facilitate development of affordable/social homes, there are still visible challenges impeding acquisition of completed homes by low-income earners.
He said: “We have analysed the performance audit report on management of resources for the provision of affordable/social homes for low-income earners in Nigeria conducted by the Auditor-General for the Federation and highlighted challenges impeding acquisition of 1,432 homes built in five states.
“These challenges include the absence of need assessment by the FHFL, constraint with accessing completed homes due to lack of infrastructure and insufficient awareness creation for homes built among others.”
“PLSI will support the FHFL in mobilising buyers/off-takers within the target group of low-income earners to boost acquisition of homes built in Delta, Kano, Ogun, Kaduna and Nasarawa States.”
He called on the management of FHFL to improve on its efficiency and effectiveness in providing affordable/social homes to Nigerians.
Elemo urged FHFL to implement the recommendations offered by the Auditor-General for the Federation to address challenges hindering acquisition of homes built by low-income earners.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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