By Progress Godfrey, Abuja
For Nigerians in Diaspora to own affordable homes in Nigeria, the federal government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has launched the Nigerian Diaspora Housing Scheme which allows Nigerians in diaspora access up to N50 million naira loan.
The Minister, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa made this known in Abuja on Tuesday the second day of the sixth edition of Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, convened by the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), a 3day hybrid event themed: “New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Opportunities: The Diaspora and National Development”.
He said participants can access the loan through a National Housing Fund (NHF) loan, Rent-to-Own or the Individual Construction loan payable within a period of up to 10 years at a 6.9 per cent interest rate.
The Minister noted that he initiated the scheme during his time as MD/CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, adding that his new position has become a positive Wheel of Fortune.
“Our overall goal is to ensure that as our brothers and sisters’ sojourn abroad, they also have a decent shelter over here in Nigeria to call their home,” he stated.
The Minister also said the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has resolved to develop the Diaspora City Project under a Public Private Partnership, comprising NiDCOM the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the private sector.
He, therefore, called on the Diaspora community to cease the opportunity which has both short and long-term and benefits, saying that the scheme will be formally launched in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, soon.
“I want to use this opportunity to urge Nigerians in the Diaspora to take advantage of this Scheme which allows them to actualise their dreams of owning affordable homes in Nigeria”, he said.
The Minister assured that his tenure will ensure that incentives are provided as support for the Diaspora Community.
Dangiwa also encouraged the Diaspora to key into the Diaspora City Project which is in collaboration with NiDCOM, FHA, the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Private Sector.
“This city will accommodate bungalows, semi-bungalows, terrace, mansions and other infrastructures for the convenience of the Diaspora “, he explained.
Earlier in her remarks, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said that for government to reposition the economy as it desires, it must continue to engage the Diaspora.
She therefore assured that the Commission will do all it takes to actualise and maintain the housing scheme.