By Onwubuke Melvin – The Federal Ministry of House and Urban Development has started issuing the first batch of house allocations to subscribers who have committed to making upfront payments under the National Housing Programme.
These subscribers, known as “outright subscribers,” have either fully paid or made hefty deposits on their homes, putting them at the top of the allocation list.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, during a briefing in Abuja, according to a statement on the ministry’s website.
He stated that the issue, which began in April 2024, came after a review of the NHP’s selling circumstances and processes.
This review, confirmed in a circular dated December 29, 2023 (Ref no. DPBH/645/1/43), was critical in guaranteeing transparency and fairness in the allocation process.
It was previously reported that the April 2024 housing distribution under the National Housing Programme, handled by the Ministry of Housing, was especially for NPF subscribers who used mortgage, rent-to-own, and installment payment choices.
“The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development commenced the issuance of 1st batch Offer of Provisional Allocation to the Outright Subscribers of Houses under the National Housing Programme (NHP),” the statement read in part.
“The issuance of the 1st batch offer of provisional allocation which began in April 2024 was sequel to the review of the conditions and procedures for the sales of houses under the NHP conveyed on the 29th, December 2023 via a circular Ref no. DPBH/645/1/43,” it added.
According to the statement, Dr. Ogunbiyi emphasized that while many subscribers have completed their payments, a considerable proportion have simply paid deposits and must still pay the entire sum.
The Ministry responded by reminding all first-batch subscribers of the initial 90-day payment deadline. To assist those experiencing financial difficulties, the Ministry has extended the deadline for an extra eight weeks.
“By this information, the Ministry is informing all the 1st batch Outright Subscribers who are yet to complete their payments for the houses offered them, that a grace of eight (8) weeks is now given to them within which they are advised to complete all their payments,” he said.
Dr. Ogunbiyi noted that this extension enables subscribers to finalize payments and secure their housing allotment. He urged everyone to seize this final opportunity, warning that anyone who missed the new deadline would lose their offers.
He underlined that the Ministry’s decision to extend the payment period demonstrates its commitment to the success of the National Housing Programme and its support to subscribers in completing their financial commitments. This is an essential step toward increasing homeownership and boosting access to affordable housing across the country.
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