Fashola urges new FHA Exco to complete 760 housing units under construction

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola has called on the newly inaugurated Federal Housing Authority executives to complete  about 760 housing units under  Federal Housing Project in Zuba, Abuja.

Fashola gave the charge during the inauguration ceremony of the newly appointed Executive Management Team of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Abuja.

The minister disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had given all the budgetary support that would see to its completion.

The executives are Sen. Olugbenga Ashafa, Managing Director, Mr Abdulmumuni Jubrin, Executive Director, Business Development and Mr Moris Okpong, Head Finance.

According to the minister, Ashafa and his colleagues had all the requisite skills to deal with all the challenges in the sector since they had served in various capacities that related to lands and housing.

He also urged them to ensure the maintenance of the existing structures which will create opportunity for jobs, especially for artisans.

“Maintenance of existing assets and buildings is a very important policy of this government now that we see it as an opportunity for empowering people at the bottom of the pyramid through continuous strategic maintenance.

“So, all your existing estates must now be subject to this programme already approved by the Federal Executive Council.

“That is where we can impact one of the most venerable people, some of the 100 million people that the president has challenged us to lift out of poverty,’’ Fashola said.

The minister further tasked the team to take responsibility and be subject to parliamentary oversight, adding that the ministry would not interfere with the operations of the agency but would intervene when they vie off course.

He reminded the team that all financial procurement must be as approved by the board of FHA.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Sen. Sam Egwu, stated that though the challenge of housing deficit in the country was alarming, but he was happy with the team in charge of the sector.

Sen. Egwu noted that the team led by a minister that was focused would resolve the challenges being faced by the sector in providing affordable houses to the people.

Egwu reassured that the committee would collaborate with the ministry and other parastatals in solving the housing needs in the country.

In his acceptance speech, the new Managing Director, FHA, Sen. Olugbenga Ashafa, appreciated the president for the trust reposed on him and his colleagues.

“May I also note that I have watched with great interest the initiatives and innovations that the Honourable Minister has continually brought to bear on the housing development across the country.

“It is in support of this new direction that my colleagues and I hereby pledge our unalloyed support and commitment to the PMB-led administration’s vision of providing affordable and accessible housing for Nigerians.

“As we resume our appointments, we look forward to a harmonious working relationship with the board, Management and staff of the Federal Housing Authority as well as all the relevant stakeholders,’’ Ashafa pledged.