News

New Board For Federal Mortgage Bank Inaugurated

Published

11 months ago

May 26, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has formally inaugurated new board members of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

In a statement by the Director Press and Public Relations, Salisu Badamasi, on Monday, the minister charged the new board members with the critical responsibility of repositioning the bank as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s housing finance system under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu Administration.

While emphasising the strategic role of the FMBN in delivering affordable housing to Nigerians through the National Housing Fund Scheme, Dangiwa noted that FMBN was not just a lender but a regulator, an innovator, and a builder of housing finance systems.

“Nigerians in both formal and informal employment across the public and private sector can access mortgage loans at rates and terms that no commercial institutions can match

“We are talking about single digit rates of 6 to 7 percent repayment periods of up to 30 years and equity contribution as low as zero to 10 percent. In contrast, commercial banks charge 18 to24 percent interest, require percent 30 percent equity, and offer tenor of 6 to 10 year,” he explained.

The minister charged the new board with pursuing and achieving seven key strategic priorities.

He reminded them that they were appointed to drive reform, ensure transparency and unlock the full potential of this national institution informing them that their responsibilities and powers are clearly defined in the FMBN Establishment Act, CAP F16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

“The stakes are high, millions of Nigerians are counting on FMBN, and on your leadership to bridge the gap between aspiration and homeownership. The era of business-as-usual is over. This is the time for delivery,” he added.

Dangiwa also commended the current FMBN management for significant strides, including the full implementation of a Core Banking Application system that now enables NHF contributors to register, make contributions, apply for loans, and monitor their accounts entirely online, saying the digital transformation has reduced transaction turnaround time by 40 percent and improved public trust.

According to the statement, the minister further lauded FMBN’s recent achievements which are disbursing over N73 bn in housing finance, supporting over 30,000 beneficiaries, processing N30.7 bn in NHF refunds, mobilising over N203 bn in contributions, registering nearly 374,000 new contributors and recording a N11.58 bn operational surplus (unaudited) for 2024.

“He also applauded the bank’s collaboration with the Ministry on the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and its introduction of a N100 bn Bankable Off-taker Guarantee as innovative steps toward bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit.

“The minister recalled his previous experience as Managing Director of the Bank, highlighting the structural challenges that have historically hindered its performance. He noted that, upon assuming office as minister, he initiated a comprehensive housing sector reform, including the establishment of a Housing Institutions Reform Task Team. The Task Team’s report includes recommendations to modernise the FMBN and NHF Acts, which the Minister urged the new Board to champion.”

In his address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, congratulated the newly appointed members of the board, highlighting their professional achievements, integrity, and capacity to offer strategic guidance in a sector as critical as housing and urban development.

Belgore emphasised on the central role of housing in the social and economic stability of a nation, generating employment, building communities, promoting wealth creation, and enhancing dignity.

“In Nigeria, bridging the housing gap remains a top priority. That is why we view the FMBN not just as a bank, but as a national vehicle for inclusive growth, social protection, and economic opportunity”, he said.

Belgore further expressed the ministry’s commitment to working hand in hand with the board and management to ensure that the bank’s operations are aligned with national housing priorities, as well as ensuring that shared reform efforts remain people focused, sustainable, and transformational.

The statement further listed the newly appointed members of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria board.

“H.E Nasiru Gawuna – Board Chairman, Shehu Usman Osidi – MD/CEO (FMBN) – Member, Muhammad Sani Abdu -Executive Director/LM&S – Member, Ibidapo Odujokan – Executive Director/Finance and Corporate Service – Member, Chinenye Chinedu Anosike, Executive Director/Business and Portfolio Management – Member, Abimbola Adenike Asein , Non Executive Director – Member, Nura Aliyu Tijjani – Non Executive Director – Member, Abdullahi Hamisu, Non Executive Director – Member, and Momoh Jubril, Non Executive Director – Member.”

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

11 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

Published

20 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

“When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

“We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.