Federal Workers Face Hurdles Despite FG Housing Loan Expansion
Despite adjustments to improve access, a significant number of federal civil servants remain unable to benefit from the Federal Government’s housing loan scheme.
Hajiya Ahmed, Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, acknowledged the persistent challenges at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarterly Forum with Union Leaders. She described the low access rate as worrisome, attributing it largely to financial pressures and existing obligations that continue to disqualify many applicants.
To improve inclusivity, Ahmed disclosed that the board had raised the loan ceiling to ₦20 million for senior staff. In addition, a new housing finance package has been introduced for officers on Grade Levels 8 to 14, with ongoing collaborations with mortgage banks and private developers aimed at expanding affordable home ownership opportunities.
Broader Welfare Initiatives
Declaring the forum open, Patience Onyekunle, Permanent Secretary of the Service Welfare Office, explained that the engagement was designed to sustain dialogue between the government and labour unions. According to her, regular consultations are critical to maintaining industrial harmony and improving workers’ welfare.
She highlighted measures under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025), which include group life assurance, a ₦750 billion pension bond, and additional welfare reforms intended to strengthen staff support systems.
Reforms Beyond Housing
Beyond housing loans, institutional reforms were also spotlighted. The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) announced plans to digitise its claims process to ensure quicker compensation for workplace injuries and deaths. Union leaders welcomed this development but urged the government to address persistent bottlenecks within the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). According to them, delays in claims processing discourage civil servants from seeking timely healthcare.
Outlook
While the FG housing loan scheme remains a central pillar of worker welfare policy, its impact continues to be undermined by access barriers. The government’s pledge to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions and streamline welfare reforms signals intent, but without rapid implementation, the scheme risks underperforming relative to its objectives. For policymakers and investors, the situation highlights both the urgency of housing finance reform and the scale of unmet demand in Nigeria’s public service.
