Federal Housing Authority (FHA )and the Federal Roads Mantainance Agency (FERMA) are set to strengthen the synergy and collaboration between the agencies.
This was revealed on Wednesday 11th September, 2024 when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FHA, Hon Oladimeji Oyetunde Ojo led a team of his Management on a courtesy visit to FERMA.
Hon Ojo in his remarks during the visit noted that both agencies have a record of cordial relationship. He cited FERMA’s interventions in repairing roads in the Authority’s estates at Sharada; Kano State, Gwarinpa and Lugbe estates in Abuja as a clear testament of collaboration.
The FHA boss however called more of such interventions by FERMA in the Authority’s estates to enable FHA to concentrate more in the provision of houses to Nigerians.
Hon Ojo noted the importance of both agencies in housing development and road infrastructure maintenance stating that both are mutually inclusive in providing livable environment to Nigerians.
The MD pointed out the precarious positions of FHA estates in Lugbe, Kubwa and Gwarinpa, which serve as gate way to many up coming estates within their environments as the major reason why their roads are in continous need for repairs.
In the words of Hon Ojo, ” we know that we have a long standing relationship. You were for us in Sharada; Kano, Lugbe and Gwarinpa estates in Abuja.
We feel we need to concentrate on building houses. If we dwell in road maintenance , we will be heavily distracted. We need your assistance in the maintenance of roads, while we focus on housing delivery”.
Ojo reiterated FHA Management’s commitment on providing affordable houses to Nigerians. He noted that construction would commence in earnest as soon as the rain is over, and that all Nigerians are to benefit irrespective of tribal religious or political inclination.
On the affordability of the houses, the FHA MD was full of gratitude to State Governor’s who gave FHA lands free of charge and also paid the necessary compensation for the Authority.
Such moves he noted have really saved a lot of cost for the Authority and invariably reduced the disposal cost of the houses.
FHA, according to Hon Ojo noted does not intend to go into bogus projects, but will dwell on carcas, where exterior, electricals and plumbing would be provided, leaving the allottees to finish to their taste and capacity.
The MD said the FHA intends assisting the staff of FERMA in Housing ownership, by extending the services of FHA Mortgage Bank to FERMA workers as well as giving the staff the right of first refusal.
Desirous of deepening the synergy and collaboration between the two agencies, Hon Ojo said that FHA would be putting roofs over the heads of FERMA staff and other Nigerians by handing over keys to their houses to them.
In his response, the Managing Director of FERMA, Dr. Agbasi thanked the FHA delegation for the visit and congratulated the FHA Executive Management Team on their appointment.
Dr Agbasi noted that FERMA and FHA by their functions are in Infrastructure provision.
He stated that by housing provision by FHA and road maintenance by FERMA automatically presupposes that both agencies must have a strong collaboration.
The FERMA Chief Executive who decried the poor conditions of roads in FHA estate especially in FESTAC Town, said that it is of concern to the agency.
He opined that a team needs to be formed to take care of these.
According to Dr Agbasi. “Going on, a team needs to be formed to take care of these roads.
We need to cost and quantify them to enable us maintain these Federal Roads. It is good we have met to take decisive actions”. He stated.
The FERMA boss while calling on both agencies to exploit the maximal benefits of this relationship, said his agency would explore with FHA on how to develop the plots of land owned by FERMA at a minimal cost.
