…says scheme ‘ll identify access to affordable Housing to hard-working Nigerians
By Tom Okpe
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Abbas Tajudeen has charged House Committee on National Housing Fund, (NHF) to be guided by principles of equity, fairness and diligence, while discharging its duties.
The Speaker gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, during inauguration of the Ad’hoc Committee, on the ‘Investigation of Non-Remittance of contributions to the National Housing Fund, (NHF) and Utilization of the fund from 2011 to date.’
Represented by Deputy Speaker, Rep Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Abbas said: “As the investigative hearing commences, let us be guided by principles of fairness, equity, and diligence.
“Our mission is not only to uncover any irregularities, but, to also, propose solutions that will strengthen the NHF and ensure it serves its intended purpose, while also, preventing a reoccurrence of these issues.
“As a noble initiative rooted in the principles of collective responsibility, the scheme identifies the critical need to ensure access to affordable housing by hard-working Nigerians, in order to bridge Housing deficit gap in the country.”
The Committee, led by Rep Musa Bagos, (PDP Plateau) is tasked with investigating the non-remittance of contributions to the National Housing Fund and utilisation of the Fund from 2011 till date.
The NHF represents a commitment to addressing one of the most fundamental needs of citizens affordable Housing, established by the NHF Act of 1992.
This scheme, he said: “Was designed to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable Housing, mandates all employers in both the private and public sectors to contribute 2.5% of their workers’ monthly earnings into this Fund.
“As you are aware, offending sections 20 & 21 of this Act has convicts, liable to both fine and imprisonment.
“The House will look into this law which is obsolete now. From 1992 till date calls for a review. There are other issues that the House will inject to make it fit for its purpose.
“However, for this to become a reality, we all know it is crucial that the Fund is managed transparently, efficiently,
and in strict adherence to the law.
“The House was therefore alarmed to receive allegations of non-remittance by employers and in other cases, mismanagement and misappropriation of the hard-earned salaries of Nigerian workers, by the administering institution.
“It is within this context that we convene to investigate the alleged non remittance to the National Fund and critically review the utilization of the Fund from 2011 to date.
“Thus, the mandate of this committee is a crucial one that resonates deeply with the well being and aspirations of the Nigerian worker.
“Your task, as members of this Ad’hoc Committee, is to shed light on the utilization of these contributions, to ensure that, NHF fulfils its mandate to provide affordable Housing solutions.
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“The allegations of non-remittance are grievous, and we must uncover the truth, in order to hold those responsible accountable, and safeguard the interests of those who have diligently contributed to this Fund.
“I implore this Committee to embark on this investigation with a profound sense of responsibility, bearing in mind that the NHF holds the potential to transform lives of countless hardworking Nigerians by providing them with the opportunity to
secure affordable housing.
“I have every confidence in the collective wisdom and dedication, also the expertise of members of this Committee and together, we have the power to protect the rights of Nigerians to affordable housing.
“With this, I formally declare the investigative hearing on the National Housing Fund open, and I charge each of us to fulfil our collective duty with integrity and dedication, he added.
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