(1) What is the current status of the National Housing Programme (NHP)? The Federal Government of Nigeria in 1994 embarked on an ambitious programme to provide 121,000 Low-Cost houses nationwide. The programme was essentially that of the parent Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (as it then was) but the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) was made the implementing agency. Deposits were collected, mostly by the parent Ministry on account of which houses were to be provided for subscribers. The Low-Cost Housing Programme encountered many problems, some of which made the prices that houses were to be delivered unrealistic in spite of several reviews. This led to the eventual suspension of the programme. The Federal Housing Authority completed the Abesan and Satellite 1 Estates in Lagos which were commissioned in 2004 by President Olusegun Obasanjo and subsequently handed over to those who made deposits that matched the reviewed price. The Kado Estate in Abuja was completed under the same scheme. Since the suspension of the scheme by the government, the Federal Housing Authority has been refunding deposits made by subscribers who applied for refund and are able to support their applications with evidence of such deposits. On assumption of office, the new Technical Board of the Authority committed itself to finding an exit strategy from the National Housing Programme (NHP). In view of this, a Task Team was constituted to compile a comprehensive list of depositors with a view to enabling the Technical Board take a final decision on the issue. (Back to Top) (2) When was the Federal Housing Authority established? The Federal Housing Authority was established by Decree No. 40 of 1973 and it commenced operation three years later. (Back to Top) (3) What was the mandate given to the Authority at its establishment? Under the enabling law, the Federal Housing Authority was originally mandated to: •
Prepare and submit to government from time to time, proposals for national
housing programmes (4) What is the size of FHA’s estates and land holdings nationwide? The Authority has about 55,000 housing units in 88 estates on an asset land holding of about 10,000 hectares nationwide. (Back to Top) (5) What is the value of FHA’s investment in housing so far? The Authority has invested more than $150 million in housing and auxillary infrastructural development throughout the country. (Back to Top) (6) When did the new Technical Board assume office? The new six-member Technical Board led by Brig-Gen Olatunde Reis was appointed in December 6, 2006 to replace the former board which was then dissolved by the Federal Government. The Technical Board was given a 9 month tenure in the first instance beginning from December 2006. (Back to Top) (7) What is the re-defined mandate of the Authority? •
Provision of social housing to low and middle income groups, special groups
(e.g. youths, the elderly, widows etc. (8) How does the Authority run its operations in the States?
(9) What is the numerical strength of the Authority? The
Authority at the moment has a staff strength of about 430 in its five
departments: (Back
to Top) When it assumed office, the Technical Board noted with dismay the decayed state of facilities in its estates nationwide. It has set up a machinery for revamping the estates beginning with a census and re-certification of all houses in its estates. The census and recertification is being carried out by Task Forces in the Lagos area, Abuja and the North as well as the South South and South East Areas. The re-certification was completed on March, 31 2007. An upgrade programme for the estates has already commenced. (Back to Top) (11) How can I buy an FHA house? You signify your interest in FHA property by buying an application form for N5,000.00 (Five Thousand Naira only) after which you can inspect the property in which you have indicated your interest. A letter of intent is issued to you on the payment of half the price of the property while the final letter of allocation will be issued on the payment of the balance not later than 30 days after the payment of the deposit. (Back to Top) (12) What is the status of FHA’s Gwarinpa II Estate in Abuja? The Gwarinpa II Estate was conceived in 1996 when the Authority presented a report to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (as it then was). Following the approval of the report, an agreement was reached between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Authority on the financing of the project. Located at phase 3 of the Abuja master plan, Gwarinpa II Estate stretches to the North west boundary of Kado Estate, bounded on the North by the outer Norther Expressway, on the East by Ring Road II and on the West by Ring Road III. The Estate covers an approximate land area of 850 hectares of land. The estate was to have a total of 4,802 housing units on completion comprising various house types. The estate is about 80 percent completed. (Back to Top) |