Affordable Homes Coming for Delta Workers: Gov Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has handed over a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) covering 10.151 hectares of land to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in the state.

The land, located in Core Area II, Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, will host a housing estate under the FMBN/NLC/TUC/NECA Workers’ Collaborative Housing Scheme, designed to make home ownership more accessible to Nigerian workers.

Speaking on Monday at Government House, Asaba, Oborevwori said the project was a landmark stride in his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare. He stressed that the estate must be developed and completed in good time, and at prices affordable to the middle- and junior-level workers who are the scheme’s primary beneficiaries.

“This allocation is part of our resolve to improve the welfare and living conditions of our workers,” the Governor stated. “I appeal to the management of the Federal Mortgage Bank to deliver the project promptly and ensure it remains within the reach of the people it is meant for. Housing is a necessity, not a luxury, and every hardworking civil servant deserves to have a roof over their head.”

The Governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for enabling federal agencies to partner with subnational governments in addressing the welfare of civil servants across the federation, describing the initiative as “a welcome step towards bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

The FMBN delegation was led by Hon. Dr. Mohammad Sani Abdu, Executive Director for Loans and Mortgage Services, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shehu Usman Osidi. Abdu assured that the bank would work with speed and diligence to ensure the project meets global standards and benefits Delta workers.

Nigeria faces a housing deficit estimated at over 20 million units, with civil servants especially at the middle and junior levels among the worst affected. For many workers, rising construction costs, low mortgage penetration, and dwindling real incomes have made home ownership increasingly unattainable.

The FMBN/NLC/TUC/NECA Workers’ Collaborative Housing Scheme was conceived as a response to this challenge, pooling resources from labour unions and the mortgage bank to build affordable homes for Nigerian workers across states. Delta’s partnership with the scheme is expected to set a precedent in the South-South region.

Since taking office, Governor Oborevwori has repeatedly stressed that workers’ welfare is central to his MORE Agenda. Beyond housing, his administration has embarked on reforms in healthcare, infrastructure, and social services aimed at improving the quality of life for civil servants and the general public.

By allocating land and securing federal partnership, observers say the Governor is signaling his commitment to sustainable welfare initiatives rather than short-term palliatives.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year, construction of the Ibusa housing estate is expected to begin immediately, with the first phase scheduled for completion within 18 to 24 months.

Upon completion, the estate will feature residential units, basic infrastructure, and community services, providing not just houses but a liveable environment for Delta workers and their families.

The Governor reiterated his pledge to monitor the progress of the project closely:
“Our workers deserve decent and affordable homes, and my administration will do everything possible to see that this dream becomes a reality