The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service {NCS}, Bashir Adeniyi, on Monday, said the Service will soon deliver 5,000 units of houses across the country to address the struggle to secure houses of his officers and men.
Adeniyi lamented that the struggle for houses by customs officers was hindering their ability to fully focus on their duties.
The Comptroller-General stated these during the flag-off and handover of houses to beneficiaries of COOP Pacesetter Estate in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The customs are partnering with Cooperative Mortgage Bank to provide the facilities.
Adeniyi said: ‘’The struggle for secure housing has weighed heavily on our officers and men, often impacting on their ability to fully focus on their duties. The Service in solving this problem of accommodation provided quarters across the commands. While staff quarters offer temporary relief, the uncertainty of retirement looms large as quartered staff will need to vacate upon the completion of service.
‘’Recognising this challenge and in a bid to ensure a sustainable housing solution, we partnered with Cooperative Mortgage Bank {CMB} to construct 5,000 units of houses across the nation.
‘’To establish a sustainable housing solution, a strategic partnership has been formed with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB). This collaboration aimed to construct 5,009 housing units nationwide, providing a stable foundation for officers and empowering them to invest in their families and futures, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in serving the nation.
‘’The housing scheme features diverse residences, including two-bedroom terrace bungalows and three-bedroom terrace duplexes, strategically located in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Masaka, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. The initiative seeks to create a conducive living environment where Customs Service employees and their families can thrive’’.
Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the Cooperative Mortgage Bank, Modern Shelter, and Brain and  Hammer for their collaboration in this flagship housing programme.
In his remarks, the President of the Cooperative Association of Nigeria, Tajudeen Ayeola, urged state and national governors to take deliberate actions on low-cost housing for Nigerian citizens.
He emphasized that achieving substantial provision for affordable housing is possible with government interest, encouraging local production of housing materials, cost reduction, and facilitating access to work-based loans.
Ayeola stressed the need for government support and subsidies to benefit Nigerian citizens, urging  all agencies in Nigeria to follow suit, commending them for initiating programs that benefit the people.
Kehinde Ogunsanya, Senior Special Assistant, Economic Planning  to Governor Seyi Makinde, said the initiative would enhance the economy of the state. He urged other security agencies to emulate the gesture.
The CEO, COOP Hooding Ltd, Kabir Ayinde-Tukur ,  said upon retirement the officers would have something to fall back , lauding Adeniyi for the gesture.
He added that there are over 5,000 units of Customs officers. It is realisable in a short time.
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