In a bid to revolutionize housing provisions for Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, announced a significant partnership with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB) to develop a total of 5,009 housing units across various regions in Nigeria.
During an event held at the Pacesetter Garden Estate, Ajoda Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 18th, CGC Adeniyi, accompanied by esteemed senior officers including DCG Festus Okun and ACG Aliu Olaniyi Alajogun, unveiled the ambitious housing project. The National President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, was also present.
Highlighting the scheme’s importance, CGC Adeniyi stressed the significant impact such housing initiatives would have on the morale and efficiency of Officers and their families. Addressing concerns about the inadequacy of staff quarters upon retirement, he emphasized the necessity of sustainable housing solutions.
“The strategic alliance with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank aims to construct 5,009 housing units, ensuring a stable foundation for Officers across various ranks and locations, enabling them to invest in their families and futures. This initiative aligns with our commitment to enhance their effectiveness in national service,” stated CGC Adeniyi.
The housing project encompasses diverse residences, including two-bedroom terrace bungalows and three-bedroom terrace duplexes, strategically positioned in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Masaka, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.
Commending the partners involved—Cooperative Mortgage Bank, Modern Shelter, and Brains & Hammers—for their collaboration in this flagship program, CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude for their support in realizing this initiative.
Tajudeen Aiyeola, President of the Cooperative Association of Nigeria, emphasized the imperative role of government intervention in providing low-cost housing for Nigerian citizens. He stressed the feasibility of substantial affordable housing with government support, encouraging local production of housing materials and facilitating access to work-based loans.
Aiyeola underscored the cooperative sector’s significance in executing social and economic programs for the welfare of Nigerians, praising the NCS for prioritizing initiatives beneficial to the populace.
Representing Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Special Assistant hailed the initiative’s potential to contribute to the state’s economic development. He commended CGC Adeniyi’s efforts and urged support for the project, highlighting its capacity to bolster the state’s economy and benefit Nigerian agencies.
The event culminated in the distribution of housing documents, group photographs with stakeholders, and a tour showcasing various housing prototypes, showcasing the commitment of the NCS towards improving housing standards for its officers.
