The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has described the allegations of non-remittance of National Housing Funds as grievous.
The Speaker stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of this Ad-hoc Committee tasked with investigating the non-remittance of contributions to the National Housing Fund and utilisation of the Fund from 2011 till date.
To this end, he said the committee must uncover the truth, in order to hold those responsible accountable, and safeguard the interests of those who have diligently contributed to this Fund.
“I implore this Committee to embark on this investigation with a profound sense of responsibility, bearing in mind that the National Housing Fund holds the potential to transform the lives of countless hardworking Nigerians by providing them with the opportunity to
secure affordable housing,” Abbas said.
He also assured that the House will the review National Housing Fund (NHF) Act.
The Speaker stated: “The House will look into this law which is obsolete now. From 1992 till date calls for a review. There are other issues that the House will inject to make it fit for purpose.
“However, for this to become a reality, we all know it is crucial that the Fund is managed transparently, efficiently, and in strict adherence to the law.
“The House was therefore alarmed to receive allegations of non-remittance by employers and in other cases, mismanagement and misappropriation of the hard-earned salaries of Nigerian workers, by the administering institution.”
Abbas noted that it was within this context that the House convene to investigate the alleged non remittance to the National Fund and critically review the utilization of the Fund from 2011 to date.
He said the task of the Committee was to shed light on the utilization of these contributions, to ensure that the NHF fulfills its mandate to provide affordable housing solutions.”
The Speaker stated: “The allegations of non-remittance are grievous, and we must uncover the truth, in order to hold those responsible accountable, and safeguard the interests of those who have diligently contributed to this Fund.
“I implore this Committee to embark on this investigation with a profound sense of responsibility, bearing in mind that the National Housing Fund holds the potential to transform the lives of countless hardworking Nigerians by providing them with the opportunity to secure affordable housing.”
“As the investigative hearing commences, let us be guided by principles of fairness, equity, and diligence. Our mission is not only to uncover any irregularities but also to propose solutions that will strengthen the NHF and ensure it serves its intended purpose, while also preventing a recurrence of these issues.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee Hon. Dachung Bagos, said the hearing was to get needed inputs from relevant stakeholders on the issue at hand and to ensure that the challenges faced by Nigerian workers in the housing sector is reduced to its barest minimum if possible completely solved.
He said despite the efforts by successive governments, housing deficit in Nigeria is still high with contributors to the scheme still don’t have a roof on their heads.
Bagos added that the process of applying for the facility is stringent.
He said the House has resolved to do due diligence to unravel any set back and to ensure that an average Nigerian worker and contributors benefits from the scheme.