The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has taken a significant step towards expanding access to affordable housing for civil servants in Kano State with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Kano State Government. The agreement, which formalized the re-integration of Kano State civil servants into the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, took place on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Office of the Head of Service in Kano.
FMBN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Shehu Usman Osidi, signed the agreement on behalf of the bank, while the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, represented the Kano State Government. The event signaled the state’s return to the NHF Scheme after more than two decades.
In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Ismail Aliyu, commended FMBN’s efforts in improving the welfare of Nigerian workers through the NHF Scheme. He expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would open up new opportunities for Kano civil servants to become homeowners.
Osidi described the signing as a major milestone in the collective effort to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for Nigerian workers. He praised the Kano State Government for fulfilling its Workers’ Day 2024 promise to rejoin the NHF Scheme. He also recalled his appeal to Governor Yusuf during the launch of the Renewed Hope Estate in Lambu, Tofa Local Government Area, on May 23, 2024, where he urged the governor to make good on that promise.
He noted that despite Kano’s withdrawal from the NHF Scheme over 20 years ago, FMBN continued to support residents of the state through various housing interventions. According to him, the bank financed 10 housing projects worth N6.8 billion across Kano and disbursed N1.3 billion in Home Renovation Loans to Kano workers, including N236.9 million handed over to 299 civil servants during the May 2024 event.
Osidi further disclosed that the bank would soon introduce a Non-Interest Loan product to cater to individuals averse to interest-based financing. The product, he revealed, would be launched in the first quarter of 2025, aligning with FMBN’s commitment to inclusivity and financial innovation.
In his remarks, Kano State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, described the re-integration of Kano civil servants into the NHF Scheme as a major achievement that would help bridge the housing gap in the state. He assured that the state government was fully committed to collaborating with FMBN to ensure that civil servants benefit from the scheme. He urged all stakeholders to embrace the initiative and work together to achieve its goals.
The signing ceremony was attended by top officials from FMBN, including Executive Directors Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdu and Mrs. Chinenye Chinedu Anosike, as well as senior management staff from the bank’s Head Office, Kaduna Zonal Office, and Kano Branch.
With the successful re-integration of Kano State civil servants into the NHF Scheme, FMBN has further strengthened its partnership with the state government, paving the way for improved access to affordable housing and enhanced welfare for civil servants in the state.
