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