The Nigeria Customs Service has taken a bold step in creating a better conducive housing scheme for Officers and Men of the Service.
To this effect, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi said the service is partnering with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank in constructing a total of five thousand and nine housing units nationwide.
Adewale who revealed this at the Pacesetter Garden Estate, Ajoda Ibadan, Oyo State acknowledged the scheme’s impact on Officers and families, particularly in boosting their morale at the work place thereby enhancing efficiency and optimal performance.
He said, “The Service is providing temporary relief through staff quarters, but concerns persist regarding retirement and subsequent vacation from these quarters. To establish a sustainable housing solution, a strategic partnership has been formed with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB). This collaboration aims to construct 5, 009 Housing Units nationwide, providing a stable foundation for Officers and empowering them to invest in their families and futures, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in serving the nation.”
According to him, the housing scheme would feature diverse residences, including two-bedroom terrace bungalows and three-bedroom terrace duplexes, strategically located in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Masaka, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.
Adewale expressed gratitude to the Cooperative Mortgage Bank, Modern Shelter, and Brains & Hammers for their collaboration in this flagship housing program.
Speaking, the President of the Cooperative Association of Nigeria, Tajudeen Aiyeola, urged State Governors, Ministers and the national Assembly Members to take deliberate actions in providing low-cost housing for Nigerian citizens.
Tajudeen emphasized that achieving substantial provision for affordable housing is possible with government interest, encouraging local production of housing materials, reduction in cost of production, and facilitating access to work-based loans.
Aiyeola stressed the need for government support and subsidies to benefit Nigerian citizens.
Highlighting the importance of the cooperative sector, Aiyeola noted its significance in various human endeavours across All levels.
Speaking further in his address, Aiyeola commended the uncommon initiatives put in place by the Controller General of Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, saying the initiatives are capable of eradicating poverty in Nigeria.
He called for collective efforts with the government and it’s affiliates including the private sector to focus on the welfare of the Nigerian workforce for better Service delivery.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who also graced the occasion, stated in his remarks that, this initiative will contribute to the state’s economic development. He pledged his support and commitment to provide housing and other developmental projects for infratructural development of the State.
Makinde commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for this laudable initiative. Adding that he will garnered support from all stakeholders to subscribe to the initiative.
The event ended with the presentation of housing documents to respective recipients and a tour of the various types of One bedroom bungalows, two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows three-bedroom semi-detached and detached bungalows and Four-bedroom bungalows respectively.