Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Shehu Usman Osidi, has reiterated the Bank’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional services that drive continued developmental impacts in the housing ecosystem.
He gave the reaffirmation during his goodwill message on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the 2024 Amadeo Business Summit 3.0, which took place at the Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu from October 8 to 10, 2024.
Osidi emphasised the importance of service delivery as a key driver of national development, stressing the need for organizations to adopt innovative strategies to enhance service excellence. “The lack of focus on service excellence in both national and private endeavours has often hindered our pursuit of national greatness. It is in recognition of this challenge that initiatives like SERVICOM were established to address shortcomings in customer service delivery across public institutions in Nigeria,” said Osidi.
He highlighted the Bank’s commitment to the ideals of excellent service delivery, stating that “At FMBN, we are keenly aware that improved service delivery is the cornerstone of sustainable development.”
“Our mission to provide affordable housing finance to Nigerians is hinged on ensuring that our services are delivered with professionalism, innovation, and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs,” Osidi noted. He further explained that a fundamental challenge facing the Nigerian housing industry is that “we have houses we don’t need and we need houses we don’t have.”
He explained that it is in line with its mission that over the years, the Bank’s loan products under the NHF Scheme have been expanded to cater for the various needs of its contributors.
Osidi further outlined the benefits of the NHF scheme, including single-digit interest rates of 6-7%, long repayment periods of up to 30 years, and flexible loan terms designed for low- and medium-income earners. He also highlighted the diverse loan offerings, such as home acquisition mortgages, individual construction loans, micro-loans for home renovation, and rent-to-own options, which ensure that Nigerians have access to a broad range of affordable housing finance.
He also took the opportunity to highlight FMBN’s commitment to sustainable development through affordable housing finance. “We remain committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology, partnerships, and capacity building to enhance the quality of our services, ensuring that we continue to make positive developmental impacts,” he said.
He commended the theme of the summit, ‘Transposition of Interest in Service Delivery’, as timely and relevant, emphasizing its significance in today’s fast-paced business environment. “Transforming interest in service delivery from a mere concept into concrete action requires a strategic shift in mindset and the adoption of new ideas and technologies that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction,” Osidi noted.
The MD also praised COPEN Group and its Founder, Rev. Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, for organizing the summit. “I must commend the brains behind Amadeo Initiatives for creating this invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and exploring innovative strategies towards excellent service delivery. The FMBN is proud to be associated with this summit, and we assure you of our continued support,” he stated.
In his welcome address, the convener, Rev. Dr. Chime, harped on the need for continuous collaboration by all stakeholders in the real estate sector. He informed that there will be a rollout of several programmes and events by Amadeo Foundation, urging all to key in.
“People should touch lives, create positive impact, leave a legacy and ‘die empty,’” he stated.
As part of activities for the Summit, the MD/CE performed the honouring and induction of the Director, Lagos Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, Prof. Timothy Nubi, into the Amadeo Hall of Fame. Osidi also participated in a vibrant and insightful panel session on the topic, “Real Estate Ecosystem Collaboration.”
Mr Osidi later visited several housing estates in Enugu, including Sandview Estate, Akwuke, Gariki; Elshammah Estate, Centenary City; Jedidiah Premium, Centenary City; Jedidiah Gardens Centenary City; and Graceland and Mercyville Estates, Independence Layout Phase 2. The ground breaking ceremony for Graceland Estate was performed on October 9, 2024 by the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
The Amadeo Business Summit was a gathering of mortgage, housing, and real estate industry leaders, including the Managing Director, AG Mortgage Bank, Mr. Ngozi Ayogu and the Founder/CEO, Eximia Realty, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, who was the Keynote Speaker, and the Convener, Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), Mr. Festus Adebayo, amongst others.
