The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Ministry of Women Affairs are set to collaborate on the “Women in Housing” project, an innovative initiative aimed at promoting affordable homeownership and financial inclusion for Nigerian women.
This partnership was announced during a courtesy visit by FMBN’s Management Team, led by Managing Director/Chief Executive Shehu Usman Osidi, to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on February 25, 2025.
During the meeting, Osidi highlighted the critical role women play in national development, pointing out that despite their contributions and numerical strength, they often remain underserved. “At the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, we are committed to breaking these barriers through targeted housing finance solutions that empower women to overcome their economic challenges,” he stated.
Osidi presented various housing finance products designed to meet the needs of Nigerians, including the National Housing Fund (NHF) Mortgage Loan, Individual Construction Loan, Cooperative Housing Development Loan, Rent-to-Own, and Home Renovation Loans. He also introduced the Bank’s new Non-Interest products.
The MD/CE emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Bank and the Ministry to identify key intervention areas that would facilitate women’s access to housing initiatives. He proposed the creation of the “Women in Housing” Model, which aims to engage women in building housing estates throughout the housing value chain. “The idea is that all the houses will be designed by female architects, and all engineers on site will be women,” he explained.
Osidi commended the Minister for her efforts, stating that her appointment reflects her commitment to the development of women in society. “We are confident that under your leadership, the Ministry will continue to champion policies that positively impact the lives of millions of Nigerian women,” he added, pledging the Bank’s support for the initiative.
In her response, Hajia Imaan expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the project’s potential impact on women across Nigeria. She noted the challenges faced by many female-headed households due to insecurity, flooding, and other disasters, stating, “Housing is one of the dimensions of poverty, and women are most vulnerable in this regard.”
The Minister pledged the Ministry’s commitment to the project, expressing optimism that it would improve lives and contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s vision for housing, employment, and poverty alleviation.
The FMBN delegation included Executive Director of Business Development and Portfolio Management Chinenye Chinedu Anosike, Group Head of Risk Management Dr. Kabir Yagboyaju, Group Head of Corporate Communications Mrs. Virginia Jang, Group Head of Special Products Group Mr. Abdulazeez Abubakar, and other management staff of the Bank.
