BIPC Takes Over 116 Federal Housing Units To Expand Affordable Housing
The Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, says the company remains committed to delivering quality and affordable housing across Benue State following the official takeover of 116 housing units under the National Housing Programme on behalf of the Benue State Government.
The housing estate, located along Welfare Quarters–Mopol Barracks Road in Makurdi, was formally handed over by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development during a ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House. The estate comprises one, two and three-bedroom bungalows aimed at providing affordable homes for civil servants, low-income earners and other residents.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Asemakaha said the acquisition was in line with the directive of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to make home ownership more accessible, particularly for low-income earners, following concerns over the affordability of houses at the BIPC Eco City Estate.
"When we started the Eco City Estate, civil servants complained that the houses were expensive. His Excellency directed us to provide homes that low-income earners could afford, and that is why we made this investment," he said.
The BIPC GMD explained that the houses would be allocated under a 40:40:20 rent-to-own model, with 40 percent reserved for civil servants, 40 percent for the general public, and 20 percent for low-income earners. He noted that beneficiaries would be able to acquire the homes through flexible payment plans spread over several years.
Dr. Asemakaha also directed that one of the housing units be converted into a Nigerian Police Force outpost to enhance security within the estate.
He said the initiative would help reduce the high cost of house rents in Makurdi, bridge the state's housing deficit, and ensure that more residents benefit from Governor Alia's inclusive development agenda.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Director and Head of Building and Housing, Quantity Surveyor Pemi S. Tomitope, commended Governor Alia for prioritising affordable housing and the welfare of Benue citizens.
Tomitope described the partnership between the Federal Government and the Benue State Government as a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of civil servants rather than pursuing profit. He also disclosed that additional housing projects under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Housing Scheme are currently under construction in the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Acting Head of Civil Service, Dr. Eunice Ogbenyi Ihu, said the housing estate would significantly ease accommodation challenges facing civil servants in Benue.
She also applauded the state government for fulfilling its promise to immortalise the late Head of Service, Dr. Agbogbo Ode.
Representing the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Berger, the Deputy Majority Whip, Dr. Simon Gabo, praised the initiative, describing it as a major boost for workers seeking affordable home ownership.
In his keynote address, the Branch Manager of the Federal Mortgage Bank, Godwin Yange, explained that prospective beneficiaries would first obtain allocation documents from BIPC, after which the bank would verify their National Housing Fund contributions to determine their eligibility for mortgage financing.
Dr. Asemakaha reaffirmed BIPC's reputation for delivering quality housing projects, stating that the company would continue to support the Benue State Government's vision of making decent and affordable housing available to all residents.
