The federal government has revealed plans to secure about 1, 500 housing units for the staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) through through the Service Cooperative Multipurpose Housing Estate located at Kutunku Extension in Gwagwalada Local Government Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Speaking Wednesday at the inauguration ceremony of the first batch of the housing units, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the project which comprises of 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms units were part of the welfare efforts for the staff of NIS.
Dr Tunji-Ojo who was represented by the Secretary of the Board of Correctional, Civil Defence, Immigration, and Fire Services, Major Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril, said the project aimed to reduce economic burden on Immigration personnel and ensure effective and efficient service from them.
The Minister reiterated the commitment of the present administration to improve the welfare and living conditions of workers across the country through strategic partnership with housing developers and other stakeholders.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, in her remarks said the project was conceived a year ago to meet the housing needs of the personnel.
Mrs Nandap who was represented by Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in Charge of Visa and Resident permit, Mrs F.U Nwaneka said the project built in partnership with Abiskoly Real Estate Developers would ameliorate the living conditions of officers and men of the Service.
“Today’s event is a clear demonstration of the Service’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel. Good housing remains one of the most important aspects of staff welfare, as it provides security, promotes stability, and enables officers to perform their duties more effectively.
“The successful completion of this housing project reflects what can be achieved through purposeful collaboration.
“I commend the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Immigration Service Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited for their foresight, dedication, and commitment to improving the welfare of members through this laudable initiative” Mrs Nandap said.
Nandap urged the beneficiaries of housing units to show professionalism, discipline and maintenance culture in the way and manner they live in the estate, warning that the Service would not condone a situation where the estate would look unkempt in just a few years.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Immigration Service Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society, NIMCOS, Dr Salihu Dauda described the project as a game changer for members of the society.
“Housing remains one of the most fundamental human needs. Beyond providing shelter, home ownership guarantees dignity, security, family stability, economic empowerment and social inclusion.
“Across the world, access to decent and affordable housing remains a key indicator of social development and economic progress.
“In Nigeria, however, the challenge of affordable housing continues to affect millions of citizens, including public servants who dedicate their productive years to the service of our great nation.
“It is in recognition of this reality that NIMCOS has consistently prioritized housing as one of its flagship welfare programmes”, Dr Dauda said. He said the project which is being replicated in Kuje District of the FCT would comprise of three bedrooms and four bedrooms bungalows and a total of 1500 when completed.
Stakeholders at the event which included other heads of Paramilitary agencies, Federal Morgage Bank, Living Trust Bank, among others, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the House to serve as encouragement for the facilitators.