Stakeholders call for establishment of FISH Trust fund
NAN-H-72
Trust Fund
By Kate Obande-Okewu
Abuja, April 25, 2017 (NAN) The President, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imokuhede, has called for the establishment of a trust fund to harness all donations made towards the success of the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme (FISH).
Aig-Imokuhede, made the call at the 2017 FISH summit organised by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that the summit tagged: “Innovative Strategy for Affordable Housing” was timely as it sets to address the housing deficit facing civil servants in the country.
He noted that the trust fund when established should be managed by credible and trustworthy Nigerians, who would effectively put together all donations made by the private sector.
According to him, the programme will receive funding from the private sector and will make housing affordable for effective, productive, incorruptible and focused civil servants.
He also called on Nigerians to contribute their construction and technological know-how free of charge to achieve a successful FISH programme.
“Beyond money, we want the talent and expertise of international organisations and Nigerians to come for free.
“Federal and state governments should provide lands and manufacturers of building materials can supply goods at affordable cost.
“If we bring all these together we will make FISH affordable and sustainable. So I look forward to the set up of the trust fund,’’ he said.
Aig-Imokuhede also promised to be the first donor to the FISH programme if the trust fund is created.
In his address, Mr Sani Bala, Chairman House Committee on Public Service Matters, said it was necessary for all the contributions being made by various stakeholders to be coordinated.
Bala said that the time of the summit was apt as the importance of house to civil servants cannot be over emphasized, stressing that shelter was most important to life after food.
“Being a house owner contributes to the output of a civil servant, government cannot achieve this alone due to the high cost of building materials.
“And so all donations from the private sector should be properly managed to achieve the FISH aim.
“Lack of political will and inadequate support on the part of past government is a major hindrance to the construction of mass housing for civil servants.’’
He called on civil servants to key into the programme and own a home.
He added that only 10 per cent of Nigerians enjoy home ownership as the country was in a serious housing deficit.
Mr Tony Braide, President Nigeria Institute of Architects noted that housing would fundamentally boost employer and employee relationship.
He said that affordable housing for civil servants can be attained but it must be at par with internationally accepted income.
According to him, FISH can become a turning point to a dedicated and effective civil service.
NAN reports that the Dangote group of companies promised to provide cement at reduced cost in collaboration with other cement companies for the success of the FISH programme. (NAN)
KTE/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide