Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a groundbreaking move, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, announced a resolute commitment to enhance the welfare of Customs personnel nationwide through a pioneering Housing Initiative.
The declaration was made during the grand inauguration ceremony of the NCS housing scheme at Gidan Iyali Estate, Millennium City, Kaduna, on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
“This ceremony is not the last episode of what we have planned. There are projects similar to this in Kano, Asaba, Yola, Abuja, Enugu, and Uyo ready for flag-off. The national spread is aimed at providing officers and men of the service the opportunity to access and benefit from the laudable initiative that is not just pocket friendly but also at convenient locations.”
Highlighting the expansive nature of the initiative, CGC Adeniyi revealed plans for similar projects in Kano, Asaba, Yola, Abuja, Enugu, and Uyo, all strategically designed to make affordable housing accessible to officers and men of the service. This initiative follows the December 18, 2023, launch of a 5000-house project in Ibadan, specifically targeting serving officers and men, acknowledging the need to provide retiring personnel with fitting homes for their post-service life.
“The initiative was deemed expedient as some of our personnel have retired from service without a befitting home to commence the new phase of life after retirement. It is hoped that this initiative will go a long way at putting an end to the misery that have been experienced by some officers and men in the past.”
Emphasizing the significance of the initiative, the CGC expressed optimism that it would alleviate past challenges faced by some officers, ensuring a dignified retirement. He credited the initiative to President Tinubu’s support for affordable housing in Nigeria and lauded Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna for unwavering support.
The CGC urged officers who have shown interest in the projects not to relent, adding, “It is heartwarming to inform all officers that the service is going into an interface with Cooperative Mortgage Bank with the service ICT under the salary section to effectively manage the process of payments of the housing scheme.”
To streamline the housing process, the CGC announced an upcoming collaboration with Cooperative Mortgage Bank, utilizing service ICT under the salary section to facilitate seamless payments for the housing scheme.
Meanwhile, George Anih, Portfolio and Assets Manager of Family Homes, affirmed the firm’s commitment to providing affordable shelter for Nigerians, pledging partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service to deliver 5000 houses.
Adding to the assurance, Mr. Musa Abubakar, Managing Director of Cooperative Mortgage Bank, affirmed dedication to the successful completion of the housing project, further solidifying the collective commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigeria Customs Service personnel.