ASABA, Delta State — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially presented a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the construction of a new workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The certificate was handed over on Tuesday at Government House, Asaba, when the governor received the management of FMBN, led by its Executive Director of Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul.
Governor Oborevwori said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers in the state, especially by tackling the challenge of high rent.
The allocated land measures 10.1 hectares at Core Area 2, Ibusa and will be used to build a housing scheme through a partnership involving FMBN, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The governor explained that although the C of O had been ready since January 2024, its presentation was delayed due to administrative processes. He also revealed that his government waived statutory fees worth about ₦200 million to make the project easier and more affordable for workers.
“Most of the salaries of our junior and middle-level workers are consumed by rent. That is why this housing scheme is so important. I appeal to the Federal Mortgage Bank to ensure the project is delivered on time and made accessible to those for whom it is intended,” Oborevwori said.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting federal agencies like the FMBN to collaborate with state governments and promised his administration’s continued support for the project.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdul praised the governor for his infrastructural achievements in Asaba and other parts of Delta. He urged local governments in the state to also contribute to the National Housing Fund, so the bank can expand such housing projects to grassroots areas.
Abdul explained that the FMBN, which has existed for over 32 years, is focused on reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit — currently estimated at 20 to 22 million housing units — through mortgage creation and construction loans.
He said the bank already has nine housing projects ongoing in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other parts of Nigeria, and is determined to replicate this initiative in Delta State.
“With the Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City project of Mr. President, our target is to provide affordable housing for Nigerians at all levels, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. Delta is very key to the success of this national plan, and we want to make a lasting impact here,” Abdul added.
