Nigeria’ll Secure $300m Housing Loan – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said that Nigeria would secure a World Bank loan of $300 million (about N46 billion) for the Federal Mortgage Bank to address housing problems of the country.
Jonathan said this while inaugurating 200 units of three-bedroom flats on the Goodluck Jonathan Housing Estate, Idimu in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The president said that housing had become a big challenge to the nation, resulting in the collaboration of the Federal Government with the private sector to tackle.
Jonathan commended the Nigerian Police Force for the project.
He hoped that the provision of the housing units would improve the welfare of police officers.
Jonathan noted that the housing was a product of a partnership between the Federal Government and the private sector.
“I encourage other agencies and governments to partner with the private sector in housing provision,’’ he said.
Jonathan expressed dissatisfaction at the condition of barracks across Nigeria, especially police barracks.
“The condition of barracks is not the best. We are looking into all the barracks.
“It is only good accommodation that can ensure better performance by the officers and men, ’’ Jonathan said.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, said that each flat would cost interested officers N8 million.
He said that similar projects were ongoing in Abuja, Kano and Kaduna.
He commended Jonathan for commitment to the Nigeria Police Force, saying that the force named the newly constructed estate after the president in recognition of his efforts to reposition the force.
The IGP called for construction of more barracks for the police to enable accommodation of more officers and men for improved performance.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), pledged that the police would continue to do their best to maintain  law and order and sustain the nation’s democracy.