By Chris Ochayi

Determined to address the shortfall in the housing sector, the Federal Government has approved a new Technical Board  to restructure the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, with a view to repositioning it for effective service delivery.

The 12-member board approved by President Goodluck Jonathan is headed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, with Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority, Mr. Terver Gemade, as a member.

Inaugurating the board in Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple, explained that “the main purpose of  restructuring the agency was to enhance the capacity of the FHA and to reposition it to serve Nigerians better.”

In carrying out its assignment, the minister said the focus of the technical board would be to make the agency more efficient, effective and cost conscious.

She said the new panel was the outcome of the work of the special committee she set up last May, to examine the current structure, operation and challenges of the FHA.

According to her, “it was also imperative to evolve a more result-oriented and accountable management based on performance contracts as well as strengthen financial controls and ensure financial solvency through effective cost control and prudent financial management.

“The technical board would supervise the entire process of restructuring and commercialization of the FHA on the basis of the recommended terms of reference and performance agreement to be signed with the Federal Government.”