Tinubu’s Policy On Affordable Housing Is In Tandem With Ours, Says Gov Otti

The Abia State Government says its housing policy is consistent with that of the Federal Government for the country.

Governor Alex Otti, who made the state’s position known, stated that Abia supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision of providing affordable housing to Nigerians.

According to Kazie Up, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Otti spoke in front of a delegation from the Federal Housing Authority led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Rt. Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, who visited him on Tuesday.

Governor Otti stated that his administration is interested in the proposed federal housing project in Abia, emphasising the importance of shelter, which is one of man’s three most basic needs.

He revealed that his administration had already identified a location while working on the concept of a diaspora village in the state, which is also one of the Federal Government’s housing initiatives.

He thanked the President for his decision to ensure that Nigerians have roofs over their heads, and in particular for ensuring that contractors for the federal housing project would be sourced from within the benefitting states.

He was also pleased that the Federal Housing Authority would consult with states to determine what the people want in terms of housing, stating that this is the best approach for achieving an acceptable housing project.

“Please convey our greetings to Mr. President and reassure him that where housing is on his vision, so is housing on our vision here. So, we are in agreement.

“I would also like to thank you for acknowledging cultural and lifestyle differences rather than simply imposing them on others. We are the same but different people, and we must respect our decisions. So, thank you for respecting those choices and consulting with the people about what they want.

“I would also like to thank you for ensuring that the contractors are local. Previously, schemes like these were used to settle boys, settle interests, and so on, but now you are bringing it home to say that the contractors must come from here (Abia) and we take responsibility, which puts a burden on those who will recommend the contractors because if you do not recommend the right contractors, you will have to live with the consequences.

“For us, it is critical, which is why we only use the best in everything we do, even if people say it is expensive. However, as the wise saying goes, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” So, when you hire half-baked contractors, they will deliver half-baked results,” Governor Otti explained.

Earlier, Hon. Ojo stated that housing was a priority for President Tinubu’s administration. He explained that his team’s visit to Abia was to inform the Governor about the Federal Government’s proposal to acquire land and build affordable houses for Abians.

He stated that the President recognised that there is a lack of shelter in Nigeria and is willing to provide affordable housing for citizens.

According to him, the plan is to meet with state governors and collaborate on the type of housing to be built in each state, emphasising the importance of the governors’ input to the project.

The FHA Chief Executive, who visited with former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, was accompanied by some of the agency’s senior management team.