News Agency of Nigeria
New FMBN Board  chairman pledges to revitalise housing finance
Metro

New FMBN Board  chairman pledges to revitalise housing finance

By Angela Atabo

The new Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN),Board, Dr Nasir Gawuna, has promised to revitalise the bank and expand housing finance access for Nigerians.

Assuming office on Monday in Abuja, Gawuna pledged to align his efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve financing and accessibility.

He stressed the need to raise public awareness about the bank’s role in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

“Do Nigerians really know what FMBN is or what the laws governing it entail? We must make the bank visible and known to the people.

“The law establishing FMBN states that anyone above 18 earning up to N3,000 is eligible to be a contributor,” he said.

Gawuna highlighted the importance of reviewing some policies and laws governing the bank to ensure optimal performance and benefits for Nigerians.

“We live in a time of rapid change, great challenges, and immense opportunities. Our organisation is uniquely positioned to respond with innovation, resilience, and purpose,” he added.

As Board Chairman, he said his priority would be to promote a culture of collaboration, encouraging diverse perspectives, open dialogue, and bold thinking.

“We will listen carefully, act responsibly, and lead courageously to make a positive impact in the housing sector in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He also emphasised improving staff welfare to help deliver the bank’s mandate. “There is no reason we cannot improve the lives of our employees,” he said.

Earlier, FMBN Managing Director and CEO Shehu Osidi, welcomed the new chairman and lauded the executive management’s progress.

He noted the bank’s support for the Renewed Hope Housing programme, including providing a N100 billion off-taker guarantee to mobilise funding nationwide.

Osidi added that additional funding of N19.9 billion had been advanced for the Karsana project, alongside N27 billion for the Renewed Hope City in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, aimed at delivering 1,500 housing units.

He thanked President Tinubu for entrusting the bank with the responsibility and expressed optimism about the future of FMBN.

“The inauguration of the new Board marks a new chapter of partnership and progress. Together, we will accelerate the delivery of affordable housing in Nigeria,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Abiemwense Moru

FG deploys technology in boundary management
Metro

FG deploys technology in boundary management

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is entrenching the use of research, technology including drone, in boundary management

The Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commission had advanced from analogue systems to digital and electronic systems in boundary management.

He said with the support of President Tinubu, the commission had made significant progress in managing Nigeria’s boundary issues.

“For those of us who are into the profession of mapping and surveying, we now know that we have advanced from the usual analog system to electronic system.

“Now, we have satellite imaging, aerial mappings and drones and with these modern technology, you can assess areas that ordinarily would have been difficult, if you were to go on foot.

“So, we’re really embracing technology,” he said.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to tap into available technology to get adequate and real time data for efficient definition of boundaries.

The D-G also said that research was assisting significantly with data gathering to support the delineation of internal and international boundaries, including maritime boundaries.

He added that the commission’s Research and Policy Analysis Department was equipped to provide relevant data for decision making for effective management of the country’s boundaries.

“Going forward, we will capitalise on Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” to deepen the adoption of technology and research in the definition and demarcation of internal and international boundaries.

“This, in the long run, will bring the dividends of democracy to the people, especially those living in border communities

“We are going to emphasise on the physical definition of these boundaries, particularly those areas that we have resolved.

“Thank God, we have improved budgetary provisions that will enable us to double our efforts in boundary demarcation and organise workshops to sensitise people to how to manage boundaries,” he said.

Adaji further noted the difficulty in accessing some boundary locations, but expressed confidence that with modern technology, the commission would overcome some of the challenges. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FCT ground rent: Tinubu grants 14-day grace to defaulters
Metro

FCT ground rent: Tinubu grants 14-day grace to defaulters

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has given defaulters of ground rent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) a 14-day grace period to pay outstanding ground rent and associated penalties.

Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land, FCTA, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Nwankwoeze explained that Tinubu’s intervention followed the vigorous enforcement of the takeover of 4,794 revoked properties in the FCT by the Administration.

The revoked properties owe the FCTA more than N6 billion in unpaid ground rent, with arrears ranging from 10 to 43 years.

Following the enforcement, which began on Monday, the FCTA sealed several properties including the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, Access Bank, and Federal Internal Revenue Service offices, all located in Wuse Zone 5.

Also sealed were the Chinese Cultural Centre, Ibro Hotel, Total Energy Petrol Station, Mamuda Group Warehouse, and the premises of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, also in Wuse.

The director said that properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations, and individuals were affected, demonstrating the FCT Administration’s commitment to carrying out its duties without fear or favour.

Following Tinubu’s directive, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days to pay the outstanding ground rents along with penalties.

Nwankwoeze explained that defaulters in the Central Area must pay a penalty of N5 million in addition to their ground rent arrears.

“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape districts will pay N3 million, while defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalties alongside their owed rents.”

He further urged individuals who purchased properties but had not yet registered their ownership by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment to do so within 14 days.

Affected property owners were advised to visit the FCT Department of Land Administration to complete registration by obtaining the required Minister’s Consent.

Nwankwoeze also announced that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had given a similar 14-day grace period for all property holders to pay their Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy bills, warning that failure to do so might result in revocation.

“Going forward, the minister has advised all property owners in the FCT to ensure timely payment of all necessary bills and charges.

“This will enable the government to continue carrying out vital developmental projects for the benefit of the people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NBC making progress in resolving Nigeria-Benin boundary dispute – D-G
Metro

NBC making progress in resolving Nigeria-Benin boundary dispute – D-G

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it has made significant progress in resolving the Nigeria-Benin international boundary dispute.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji said that the commission had reactivated intervention on the boundary which was at some point stalled by the Benin Republic as far back as 2012.

He, however, said that the commission had been able to get the Benin team back to the discussion table for a quick resolution of the dispute.

“We are in the process of trying to resolve the different positions of the disputed areas with respect to the southern sector, which is the Ajara River sector and also the northern sector, which is the Ilo-Borogu sector,” he said.

He added that a joint committee had been set up to revisit the areas, search for more documents, and involve experts to help interpret some of the documents.

He explained that the disagreement stemmed from the different understanding of the description of the boundary in the two sectors.

The D-G said that in the Ilo-Borogu sector, which involves the states of Kwara, Niger up to Kebbi, the issue involved the use of legal instruments.

He said that the confusion was between the treaty of 1906 and the later description of 1960.

“We tend to differ, but we have agreed that we are going to study the two documents critically and see what we as Nigeria can make of the two documents.

“The idea is to determine which one of the two will be more beneficial to Nigeria because the interest of Nigeria is always apparent in our operations and activities,” he said.

In the case of Ajara River, Adaji said the two countries disagree on which channel of the river to use.

He said that the Benin Republic was laying claim to a particular channel, while Nigerian was also laying claim to a different channel.

“We are going to look at the documents critically, if need be, explore the colonial administration’s archives to see which of the two documents is really the correct one to define the boundary,” he said.

Speaking on challenges, the NBC boss said: “We’ve had instances where political will on the part of some governments have been quite discouraging.

“It is very disappointing when we reached agreements and resolutions but some of the governments concerned lack the political will to enforce them”. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG inaugurates committee to plan, dispose recovered 753 housing estates
Metro

FG inaugurates committee to plan, dispose recovered 753 housing estates

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has inaugurated the Ministerial Committee on Technical Assessment, Completion Planning, and Disposal Strategy for 753-units Housing Estate.

Dangiwa, while inaugurating the committee, on Monday in Abuja, said the estate was recently recovered and handed over to the ministry by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He commended the EFCC for the critical intervention which has now created a unique opportunity for the Federal Government to convert what was once a symbol of public sector inefficiency and abuse into a beacon of public service and national renewal.

“In line with the vision of the President and the housing reform drive of our ministry, this committee has been constituted to ensure that the recovered property is quickly transformed into liveable, secure, and affordable homes for the benefit of Nigerians.

“This is not just another government assignment. It is a mission to deliver value, hope and homes.

“I, therefore, carefully approve the constitution of this high-level Ministerial Committee made up of management staff and strategic officers drawn from key departments of the ministry.

“They are to ensure we bring to bear the highest level of technical competence, integrity and urgency,” he said.

Dangiwa said the committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, and supported by directors and special advisers, were selected because of the confidence the ministry has in their capacity to drive the initiative with the seriousness and efficiency it demands.

He said the terms of reference for the committee included: to conduct a thorough structural and integrity test of the buildings; to ascertain the number and status of the housing units; and to evaluate the value of existing work done through proper surveying and market valuation.

He added that the committee would assess the cost of completing internal roads, power, water, security infrastructure, public amenities and develop standardised architectural and finishing guides for consistency and quality assurance.

The minister said the committee would also propose a clear, transparent, and inclusive strategy for the disposal and allocation of the housing units, prioritising special government needs, affordability, equity, and public access through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal.

He said they would also design a robust communication and public engagement plan that builds public confidence and ensure inter-agency coordination with stakeholders like EFCC, FCTA, and utility providers.

Dangiwa urged them to submit a preliminary report within four weeks from today.

“Let me state unequivocally that Nigerians are watching. They want to see results. They want to see homes built and allocated transparently. They want to see government working for them.

“This recovered estate must serve as a reference point of what is possible when public institutions work in synergy for the people.

“I charge you all to approach this assignment with urgency, dedication, and integrity. Work as a team. Eliminate bureaucracy. Think outside the box. Be result-oriented. And let us deliver a completed housing estate,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, pledged to carry out the duty with transparency and diligence.

Belgore said the successful execution of the assignment would serve as a model for converting recovered public assets into impactful infrastructure that directly benefits the people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo

FG inaugurates FMBN’s board, urges improvement on mortgage disbursement
Metro

FG inaugurates FMBN’s board, urges improvement on mortgage disbursement

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has inaugurated the Chairman and Members of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Board.

Dangiwa, while inaugurating the Board on Monday in Abuja, tasked them on mortgage disbursement efficiency.

He described FMBN as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s affordable housing delivery system and implementing institution of the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme.

He said through FMBN, Nigerians in both informal and the formal sectors, would access mortgage loans with single-digit interest rates of six to seven per cent with repayment periods of up to 30 years, and equity contributions as low as zero to 10 per cent.

“FMBN must work and it must work better. That is why this board’s role is not just ceremonial. You are here to lead reforms, drive oversight, ensure transparency, and unlock the full potential of the bank.

“I expect this board to holistically reposition FMBN. This means that FMBN under your leadership must transform, it must innovate, and it must lead a new era of inclusive housing finance in Nigeria.

“The board must drive expansion of the NHF contributor base and strengthen its partnership ecosystem.

“The bank must improve mortgage disbursement efficiency. At least 20,000 Nigerians should be able to access mortgage loans annually, with faster turnaround times and a vastly improved customer service culture.”

Dangiwa said the statutory responsibilities empowered the board to act as the bank’s strategic compass setting direction, guiding execution, and ensuring results.

“I expect this board to provide strategic leadership in pushing forward the legislative amendments and institutional reforms necessary to modernise the bank.

“I expect the new board to deepen institutional reforms, strengthen governance, and expand impact in line with the statutory functions outlined in the FMBN Act and the expectations of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Dangiwa charged the board to drive some strategic targets in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda like moving forward with the long-delayed ₦500 billion recapitalisation to expand FMBN’s capacity to provide affordable housing finance.

“The board must deepen the bank’s digital transformation journey so NHF contributors could register, check balances, apply for loans, and track application progress online.

He urged the Board to also ensure greater loan performance and accountability and there must be a clear commitment to expanded access to housing, with the bank delivering a minimum of 5,000 new homes annually.

Responding, the Chairman of the board, Dr Nasir Gawuna, commended President Bola Tinubu for finding the board worthy and giving them the opportunity to serve the country.

Gawuna said: “We are lucky to be in this board. We have no reason not to perform. God willingly, we are going to enjoy a lot in terms of cooperation and push for delivery; we will give our best.”

He assured the staff and management of FMBN of the board’s cooperation for the bank to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This is because having a roof under your head is something that all will want to have. So, I am giving my word on behalf of the board to the President, that by God’s grace, we shall deliver to his mandates,” Gawuna assured. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Joe Idika

FCTA seals PDP HQ over 28-year unpaid ground rent
Metro

FCTA seals PDP HQ over 28-year unpaid ground rent

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken possession of Wadata Plaza, the building used by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its National Secretariat, due to 28 years of unpaid ground rent.

Director of Lands at the FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, said the action followed the revocation of the property’s land title, which was formally served on the property owner, Sen. Samaila Kurfi, on March 14.

Nwankwoeze explained that the property, located on Plot 1970, Michael Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, was officially reverted to the FCTA after repeated failure to settle outstanding annual ground rent spanning nearly three decades.

He noted that the revocation notice was properly delivered to Kurfi’s registered address in Kaduna.

When asked whether the PDP had been notified, Nwankwoeze clarified that the FCTA did not deal with tenants, but only with the rightful property owners recorded in its database.

The property, he said, was among 4,794 titles revoked in March due to unpaid ground rent totaling more than N6 billion.

“The PDP property is the sixth to be sealed so far. This enforcement exercise will continue until all revoked properties are addressed,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, rejected any political interpretation of the action.

He emphasised that the operation was purely administrative and conducted in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act.

“This is not a political witch-hunt. It’s an enforcement of land administration regulations,” Olayinka said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other sealed properties include a Total petrol station, Access Bank, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office, Ibro Hotel, and Mamuda Group Warehouse, all located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, Chinese centre others
Metro

Ground rent: FCTA seals FIRS, Access Bank, Chinese centre others

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Administration (FCTA) has sealed the premise of Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank and Total Energy in Wuse over unpaid ground rent.

The FCTA also sealed the Chinese Cultural Centre, Wuse, belonging to Jade Garden Restaurants, for nonpayment of ground rent for 19 years.

The Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, explained during the exercise in Abuja on Monday, that the properties have reverted to the FCTA.

Nwankwoeze said that the exercise marks the commencement of taking possession of more than 4,794 revoked properties by the FCTA, over unpaid ground rent amounting to more than N6 billion.

He explained that the FIRS building on Plot 627, Wuse Zone 5, owed the FCTA ground rent for 25 years.

He also said that Access Bank building, on Plot No. 2456, Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja, belonging to Rana Tahir Furniture Nig. Ltd, had also not paid ground rent for 34 years.

He said that the property has thus reverted to the FCTA who has now taken possession thereof.

Earlier, the enforcement team sealed Total Energy Petrol Station on Plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, over unpaid ground rent for more than 10 years.

The Director, Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, who led the task force, said that the action was to take possession of the property which had been revoked in March.

Galadima recalled that the FCTA has announced its decision to take possession of the more than 4,000 revoked properties in the territory for non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

“So, today is just to comply with what we have said that we are going to take over all the revoked properties and we are starting with Plot 534 Cadastral Zone A02 at Wuse Zone 1, owned by Total PLC,” he said.

Also sealed is the office premises of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons on Plot 2028, Dalaba Street, Wuse, belonging to Nigeria Sugar Company Ltd for the same offence.

Grand Ibro Hotel, on Plot 2359, Wuse Zone 5, whose land title belongs to Dubabi and Company, was also sealed over 26-year unpaid ground rent, including Mamuda Group Warehouse.

However, shortly after FIRS premises was sealed, the seals were removed, which Galadima described as a criminal offence, adding that the FCTA would take legal action. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Nasarawa Govt. to establish first electric vehicles production factory in Nigeria
Metro

Nasarawa Govt. to establish first electric vehicles production factory in Nigeria

By Sunday John

The Nasarawa State Government says it will sustain efforts to utilise lithium resources in the state towards establishing the first electric vehicles factory in Nigeria.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule stated this at an event organised by the Abdullahi Sule Gidan-Gidan Support Group to commemorate his six years in office.

The event held on Sunday in Lafia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s lithium reserves have garnered significant attention, particularly with the recent inauguration of a lithium processing factory in the state.

The factory was built by Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited.

Sule said that the development aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

He added that his government would ensure that all mineral resources, including lithium produced in the state were processed there before being exported or transported to other states and countries.

The governor added that in spite of government’s efforts, it was only the first stage of lithium processing that is currently taking place in the state.

“We will continue to engage investors and strategic partners to ensure that the second stage, which is the production of battery and assembling of vehicles in the state is done.

“My administration’s desire is to achieve this milestone,” Sule said.

Sule, who feared that his administration may not complete the project, assured that his predecessor would bring it to fruition.

Sule thanked President Bola Tinubu for his impressive economic reforms, promised to key into the president’s reforms for the overall development of the state.

The governor also promised to use the remaining two years of his administration to better the lots of the citizens.

Earlier, Hajiya Hussaina Sule and Chairperson of the support group, said that the event was to celebrate the achievements of the governor in the last six years.

Sule, who is the governor’s daughter, commended him for executing a lot of legacy projects across the state.

She listed some of the critical projects to include flyovers and underpasses in Lafia and Akwanga, and the State Secretariat complex in Lafia.

She added that the governor had also constructed over 600 kilometers of urban and rural roads, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Polycarp Auta

Alia revitalising 98 PHCs across Benue – Commissioner
Metro

Alia revitalising 98 PHCs across Benue – Commissioner

By Emmanuel Antswen

Gov. Hyacinth Alia is revitalising 98 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Benue to boost healthcare service delivery in the rural areas.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese, made the disclosure at Akpegede, Otukpo LGA, during the tour of projects executed by the governor in the last two years.

Ortese said the 98 health facilities were receiving simultaneous revitalisation attention across the state.

The commissioner explained that the aim was to provide adequate healthcare services delivery in the state, especially in the rural areas, to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

He stated that maternal mortality and morbidity have been a problem in the country and beyond.

“About 98 primary healthcare centres in Benue are being revitalised simultaneously across the state.

“It is expected that at the end of this process we would have a level one primary healthcare moved to level two primary healthcare with the expansion of the old facilities with accommodation for staff, a motorised borehole, solar lights and a fence.

“The idea is that any time a pregnant woman walks into the clinic, she should be attended to, and at the end, go back home with a live baby, healthy and strong,” he said.

Ortese said the World Bank Impact Project was a project in collaboration with the Benue Government, adding that the government was paying every kobo that was being spent.

He said all the projects would be completed by 23rd July.

The commissioner further disclosed that a memo was before the State Executive Council seeking approval to recruit more health workers in the state.

Also, the Director of Primary Healthcare Centres, overseeing Benue South, Mrs Agnes Okoh, said they have recruited ad-hoc health workers to support the existing ones.

Okoh explained that those engaged were midwives and community health extension workers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tour of projects is facilitated by a team from Timbuktoo Media Solutions led by the former Minister for Information, Labaran Maku, and Dr Mike Omeri, a former DG of the National Orientation Agency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

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