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Why Workers can’t access housing loans – Fed Govt

The Federal Government says many federal workers are unable to access its housing loan schemes because they have mortgaged their salaries through multiple loans from commercial lending agencies.
Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed, Executive Secretary, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, explained that the heavy loan deductions from the workers’ salaries make them ineligible for the housing loans.
She disclosed this at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarterly Forum with Union Leaders, organised by the Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF).
“Let me tell you why workers may have difficulty in accessing these loans.
“Majority of them have already mortgaged their salary by taking series of loans from these agencies that operate “sharp loans”.
“So, at the end of the day, there is no way you can propel them to pay the housing loan. This is very sad,’’ she said.
Ahmed said the situation is worrisome because the board had increased its loan ceiling to N20 million for senior workers to benefit.
She added that the government had also created a special scheme for officers on Grade Levels 8 to 14.
She explained that the board was partnering with mortgage institutions and private developers to make housing more affordable for civil servants.
Declaring the forum open, Mrs Patience Onyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office in office of the HCSF said the engagement was to strengthen dialogue between government and unions on issues of staff welfare, industrial harmony and productivity.
According to her, government has introduced several initiatives under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021 to 2025).
The initiatives, included, group life assurance for federal workers and the President’s N750 billion pension bond bill before the National Assembly.
“As you are aware, the Service Welfare Office is charged with promoting staff welfare through sound policies and programmes.
“Today’s meeting is an opportunity to focus on discussions squarely on welfare-related issues with the understanding that sustained dialogue and continuous engagement will allow us to address the concerns progressively.
“This forum is one of the several avenues through which the federal government continues to engage union leaders, ” she said.
She used the forum to list other welfare initiatives by the government, including, resuscitation of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), provision of free medical services at the office of the HCSF complex.
Others are, the review of the recognition and reward policy as well as an open-door engagement policy with labour unions.
On his part, Mr Usman Tumsah, Deputy General Manager, NSITF, said the Trust Fund was simplifying its claims process and digitising applications to ensure timely compensation for workplace accidents and deaths.
“It is just unfortunate that most of the organisations have not duly keyed into the scheme and submitted the necessary documentations on behalf of their employees so that they are captured under the scheme.
“But, we are, at the moment, doing high-level sensitisation of all MDAs to the benefits of keying into the scheme and the benefits derivable for the employees to the scheme. “
He assured that federal civil servants are automatically covered under the employee compensation scheme, while efforts are ongoing to sensitise MDAs to compliance.
Mrs Chika Ukachukwu, Chairman, Ministry of Information and National Orientation Union, commended government’s efforts, but urged further improvements in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme.
She decried delays in accessing medical care under NHIA, calling for the removal of bottlenecks that discourage workers from seeking treatment.
“I have been a beneficiary of NHIS, now NHIA, since 2012 and I know that the hospitals are not too smooth to assess it. It’s very discouraging.
“Sometimes when you think of the rigours, the procedures, you have to go through to access medication and
checkup, you are already discouraged.
“But I think they can do better by reducing some of these bottleneck,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum had in attendance representatives from different unions, including Joint Union Council, PENCOM, NSITF, NHIA, Clean Nigeria among others. (NAN)

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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)

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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

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Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.

“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.

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This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.

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Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.

He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.

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“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.

Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.

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Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.

“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)

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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.

The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.

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NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.

Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.

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Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.

The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.

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NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.

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In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.

He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.

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Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.

He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.

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Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.

Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.

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He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.

A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)

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