The Federal Government has approved a ₦10bn housing loan scheme aimed at improving access to home ownership for civil servants across the country.
The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing outlining key reforms within the public service.
According to Walson-Jack, the initiative will be implemented through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.
She explained that the programme is designed to help civil servants own homes, which in turn is expected to improve stability and productivity within the public service.
“The Federal Government has approved a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme to improve access to home ownership for civil servants. This loan will be facilitated through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board,” she said.
Walson-Jack emphasised that home ownership could significantly influence workers’ morale and job performance.
“There is a saying that a person who owns their own home stands differently. When a civil servant knows that their family has a place they can call their own, they come to work with a different swagger — with more stability, more focus and more purpose,” she noted.
She described the housing scheme as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening the civil service and improving worker welfare.
According to her, the initiative reflects the administration’s belief that supporting public servants adequately will ultimately strengthen governance and national development.
“What you are witnessing is not simply a welfare package; it is a philosophy. It is the operating belief of this administration that a well-supported civil servant is a more effective civil servant, and a more effective civil service delivers a stronger Nigeria,” she said.
Walson-Jack also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the civil service, including the transition to a more digital and efficient system.
“We are simultaneously building the civil service of tomorrow — a service that is digital and paperless, efficient and transparent, accountable and innovation-driven,” she stated.
She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the capacity and welfare of civil servants across the country.
“As Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, I am committed to ensuring that every civil servant earns better and grows better — with the skills, tools and institutional support to reach their full potential,” she added.
The Head of Service also stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions in achieving these reforms.
She cited the roles of key institutions such as the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
According to her, the progress achieved so far reflects coordinated efforts across ministries, departments and agencies.
“This is the power of collaboration across government — not working in silos, but institutions working in concert, each contributing its statutory mandate towards a shared national purpose,” she said.
Walson-Jack urged all ministries, departments and agencies to sustain the collaborative approach in areas such as service delivery and policy implementation.
Looking ahead to International Workers’ Day, she said this year’s commemoration would carry special significance for civil servants in Nigeria.
“For the first time in a long time, civil servants can point to concrete evidence that their contributions are valued at the highest levels,” she said.
She added that Workers’ Day provides an opportunity not only to remember past labour struggles but also to reaffirm the commitment to improving workers’ welfare and recognition.
