By NKIRUKA NNOROM

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to the provision of affordable housing in the country.

She gave the commendation at the commissioning of the 102 units ministerial pilot housing scheme in Suleja Niger State, which was fully funded by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

Eyakenyi said the commissioning of the housing is a demonstration of government’s efforts to bring affordable houses to the doorsteps of the citizens, particularly low income earners.

“This pilot ministerial housing scheme which is being carried out in all six geo political zones of the country is expected to deliver about 2600 houses when completed and this effort also demonstrates that with prudent management, a great deal can be achieved within the shortest possible time. This is one way of achieving affordability for the low income people,” she said.

In his speech, Managing Director, FMBN, Gimba Ya’u Kumo, said the collaboration has been successfully implemented in the six geo political zones of the country for the benefit of Nigerians, especially contributors to the National Housing Scheme. He said under the arrangement, government provides construction financing and in most cases, unencumbered land for housing development. He said the 102 housing units is made up of 32 units of one bedroom bungalow, 40 units of two bedroom bungalows, and 30 units of three bedroom bungalows all delivered at affordable prices for off-takers.