The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has formally handed over a one hundred and sixteen housing unit estate under the National Housing Programme to the Benue State Government.
The estate is expected to provide affordable housing for civil servants, low-income earners and other residents through a rent-to-own scheme.
The housing estate, located along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol Barracks Road in Makurdi, comprises one, two and three-bedroom bungalows.
The facility was formally handed over during a ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House.
Head of Building and Housing in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,
Pemi Tomitope, commended the Benue State Government for prioritising affordable housing.
He disclosed that more housing projects are underway in the State under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Acting Head of Civil Service, Eunice Ogbenyi Ihu, described the project which immortalises the former Benue State Head of Service, late Agbogbo Ode, as a major boost for civil servants facing accommodation challenges.
Officials said the acquisition aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision of expanding access to affordable housing and reducing the high cost of rent in Makurdi.
According to the State government, the houses will be allocated under a 40:40:20 formula, with 40% reserved for civil servants, 40% for other members of the public, and 20% for other categories, all under a flexible rent-to-own arrangement.
Intending beneficiaries would obtain allocation documents from BIPC before undergoing verification of their National Housing Fund contributions to qualify for mortgage financing.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)

