55,000 civil servants subscribed to FISH housing scheme – HoS

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita has revealed that a total of 55, 000 civil servants have keyed into the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) programme.
She spoke recently in Abuja at the 12th Edition of the Abuja International Housing Show, AHIS.
Oyo-Ita restated the Federal government’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit, stressing that there are ongoing programmes to ensure affordable housing delivery.
The HOS, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Welfare Office, Mrs. DidiWalson-Jack said:“This is an indication of the desire of key stakeholders in this sector not only to fill the gaps in the housing sector in terms of quantum but also to ensure qualitative delivery.
“The FISH programme is being delivered in partnership with private sector organisations, either as estate developers or financiers.”
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, charged key industry players in the housing sector to embark on the provision of affordable alternative housing project to meet the needs of low income earners in Nigeria.
The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary on Politics and Economic, Gabriel Aduda, noted the contradiction in having 17 million housing deficit with hundreds of available unoccupied houses within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and its neighbouring environment.
He further stated that the income of the masses is so low that they can barely afford to subscribe to a mortgage plan from financial institutions.
Mustapha, however, assured that government, in contributing its quota, will endeavour to create the enabling environment for the full participation of the stakeholders in the private sector.
The SGF Mustapha also called the attention of builders to ensure they adhere to the directive by federal government on Local Content, adding that building materials should be sourced locally in order to boost our economy as well as create jobs for the unemployed.