Oborevwori Allocates Land, Presents C of O for Workers’ Housing Estate in Delta

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, presented a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Speaking at Government House, Asaba, the governor said the project was a response to the growing burden of rent on junior and middle-level workers, who spend a large portion of their salaries on housing.

The estate, to be developed on a 10.1-hectare site at Core Area 2, Ibusa, is a joint initiative of the FMBN, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“This scheme is crucial because most of our workers’ salaries are consumed by rent. That is why I am appealing to the Federal Mortgage Bank to ensure timely delivery and accessibility for the intended beneficiaries,” Oborevwori said.

He explained that while the C of O had been ready since January 2024, its presentation was delayed by administrative processes. He also revealed that the state government waived statutory fees worth about ₦200 million to ease the acquisition in workers’ interest.

Earlier, FMBN Executive Director for Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul, commended the governor’s infrastructure drive and urged Delta’s local councils to contribute to the National Housing Fund to expand such projects to grassroots communities.

Abdul reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at 20–22 million units, through mortgage creation and construction loans. He added that FMBN currently has nine ongoing housing projects across the country and plans to replicate them in Delta.

“With the Renewed Hope Mega Mini-City project of Mr. President, our focus is on affordable housing for Nigerians at all levels, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid. Delta State is central to this vision, and we want to make a lasting impact here,” Abdul said.