TUC writes state governors on the need to address the 17 million housing deficit

“THE national body of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said it has written letters to state governors, on the need to urgently address the over 17 million housing deficit in the country.”- Nigerian Tribune

The union said the quest to embark on a new housing scheme for workers all over the country necessitated the letters sent to the state chief executives.

The TUC National President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, disclosed this shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony of an estate of 500 housing units being constructed by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Ogun State branch, at Koriko village, Abeokuta.

Kaigama told newsmen that the congress had resolved to partner with relevant stakeholders in the building industry towards ensuring that such affordable housing programme is replicated in all states of the federation.

The National President appealed to Governor Ibikunle Amosun to grant waiver on the necessary premium to be made to the state government’s coffers by the union.

According to him, “We want to replicate this in all the states of the federation and one of it is what you have seen today.

“I want to wish and crave the indulgence of Governor Ibikunle Amosun to also grant waiver to all forms of payment levies in regards to securing of the Certificate of Occupancy of the site so that the certificate can be used to mortgage the housing development on site.

“We have over 17 million housing deficit in Nigeria and we intend to replicate what you are seeing here all over Nigeria.

“For this reason, we have written all the state governors to provide land for us and we will make sure that affordable housing is provided for all workers in Nigeria”.

The state chairman of TUC, Comrade Olubunmi Fajobi, put the approximated implication for the construction of the estate at about N1b.

He stated that the scheme would go a long way towards contributing to the vision of the federal government to ensure that people have homes.

The chairman revealed that the housing units would contain one bedroom, two Bedrooms and three bedrooms apartment, adding that subscribers would be privileged to repay the mortgage fund spread over a maximum of 15 years.

He projected a six-month duration for the completion of 100 housing units.

“While we can’t be categorical about the cost implication because of the economic dynamics of the country, we should be able to deliver with about N1 billion.

“We have met all conditions to attract a mortgage loan except for the Certificate of Occupancy which the governor has promised our National President that it would be given to us”, he said.

Source: Nigerian Tribune