The federal government has identified that numerous federal employees are unable to take advantage of its housing loan schemes due to the encumbrance of their salaries from multiple loans sourced from commercial lending institutions.
Salamatu Ahmed, the executive secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, stated that substantial deductions from workers’ salaries render them ineligible for these housing loans. She shared this insight during the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarterly Forum with union leaders, organized by the Service Welfare Office within the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF).
“Let me clarify the challenges workers face in accessing these loans. Most have already committed their salaries by acquiring a series of loans from agencies offering predatory lending practices. Consequently, it becomes impossible for them to manage repayment of housing loans. This is truly unfortunate,” she remarked.
Ms. Ahmed expressed concern over this situation, especially since the board had recently raised its loan ceiling to N20 million for senior workers. Additionally, she mentioned that a specialized scheme has been established for employees on Grade Levels 8 to 14.
She elaborated on the board’s collaboration with mortgage institutions and private developers aimed at making housing more accessible for civil servants.
Patience Onyekunle, the permanent secretary of the Service Welfare Office at HCSF, opened the forum, emphasizing its purpose to enhance communication between the government and unions regarding staff welfare, industrial peace, and productivity.
She noted that the government has launched various initiatives under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021-2025). These initiatives include group life assurance for federal employees and a proposed N750 billion pension bond bill currently before the National Assembly.
“The Service Welfare Office is dedicated to promoting staff welfare through effective policies and programs. Today’s meeting provides a platform to address welfare-related issues, recognizing that ongoing dialogue will enable us to progressively tackle these concerns. This forum represents one of many channels through which the federal government engages with union leaders,” she stated.
During the forum, she also highlighted other government welfare initiatives, such as the revitalization of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the provision of free medical services at the HCSF complex. Additionally, initiatives to review the recognition and reward policy and foster open communication with labor unions were discussed.
Usman Tumsah, deputy general manager of the NSITF, remarked that the Trust Fund is working to streamline its claims process and digitize applications to ensure prompt compensation for workplace injuries and fatalities.
“It is regrettable that many organizations have yet to properly enroll and submit the necessary documentation for their employees to be included in the scheme. We are currently conducting high-level awareness campaigns across all MDAs to highlight the advantages of participation in the scheme,” he explained.
He reassured that federal civil servants are automatically covered under the employee compensation scheme, with ongoing efforts to increase compliance among MDAs.
Chika Ukachukwu, chair of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation Union, praised the government’s initiatives but called for enhancements to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme. She expressed concern over the delays in obtaining medical care under NHIA, urging for the elimination of obstacles that deter workers from seeking treatment.
“As a beneficiary of the NHIS, now NHIA, since 2012, I can attest that accessing hospitals can be quite difficult. The processes often discourage individuals from pursuing necessary medical attention. There is certainly room for improvement in reducing these barriers,” she asserted.
The forum was attended by representatives from various unions, including the Joint Union Council, PENCOM, NSITF, and NHIA, among others.
(NAN)
