Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), has urged staff and management of Gwagwalada Area Council to return to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme to enable them to become home owners.
Mrs Felicia Aningo, FCT FMBN Coordinator, made the appeal during the bank’s sensitisation programme and interactive session with the council’s staff in Gwagwalada, Thursday.
The Tide source, recalls that the six area councils had pulled out from the scheme in 2000, following agitation by workers during Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s tenure as NLC leader.
Aningo, noted that the scheme had since been reviewed, leading to the return of most states and local governments to the scheme.
She said that, the enlightenment campaign was aimed at addressing issues surrounding the scheme, with a view to resolving them, so that the area councils, including Gwagwalada, could access the Home Renovation Loan (HRL).
It was reported that the HRL is a scheme that affords NHF contributors an opportunity to access mortgage loans of N1 million for the renovation or improvement of their existing homes.
According to the Coordinator, Bwari, Abaji and Abuja Municipal Area Councils had returned, leaving Gwagwalada, kwali and Kuje.
She, however, urged other councils to emulate Bwari Area Council that had benefited from the HRL scheme, which aims at reducing housing difficulties.
She assured the staff of the council that the money they had contributed before exiting the scheme, was still in the bank’s record.
She said that, the bank was willing to repay the money with interest upon the presentation of a proper payment schedule by the council.
She added that, those willing to continue with the scheme, would not be required to pay the arrears owed over the years.
“We have spoken with the union, if you give us a breakdown on how to distribute the money, we are going to pay back with interest, including the deceased as soon as possible.
“For those willing to continue and to enable them get the loan, you are not going to pay the arrears you have not paid over the years. Once you start the contribution, it will enable you to get the HRL.
“We cannot give you any loan without you coming back to the contribution,” Aningo said.
She noted that, the bank had also documented the council’s staff list, adding that, contributions of the deceased would be refunded to their next-of-kin after due process.
The coordinator assured the staff that, the scheme was working and keeping accurate records.
“If you didn’t take a loan and you have retired, it will be refunded to you with interest. NHF refund has always been the first money Nigerian retirees lay their hands on before pension.
Responding, Mr Isuwa Asher, Chairman, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), in the council, said the union would key into the scheme again and would be glad to access the loan.
Asher, however, added that the union would not hesitate to quit, if the assurances were found to be incorrect.
Meanwhile, Mr Yohana Ishaya, the Chairman, Medical and Health Workers Union, expressed concern about the scheme and suggested that the contribution should be optional.
Another staff from the Accounts Department, Mr Habib Gegu, said that the would be glad to enrol again as the scheme would enable him to solve housing problems.
“The scheme enables one to have a home before retirement because you may not have the money in bulk to build or buy,” Gegu said.