By Chioma Ugboma
Mr. Ayoola Lawal, erstwhile secretary, APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, says the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme by the Federal Government will end swindling of Nigerians for houses in home country.
Lawal, a Nigerian based in Sweden, also commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for finalising arrangements for take off of the scheme.
Recall that NIDCOM and FMBN at a meeting on April 20, assured Nigerians in the diaspora that the mortgage scheme would be operational within the next three months.
The detailed scheme came out of a recent meeting between Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, and Mr Shehu Usman Osidi, Managing Director of FMBN, toward integrating the Nigerian diaspora in economic and developmental plans of the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, Lawal, also a former APC chairman in the Scandinavian countries, said that many Nigerians had stayed away from coming home to build because of ugly experiences in the hands of relations and contractors.
“There are so many cases of people who send money home to build but in return, find out that they have been swindled and not a block to show for it.
“Some of these people worked hard to send their entire life’s savings only to be swindled.
“Some contractors are not left out in the fraud. The issue has so demoralised many Nigerians abroad that many have vowed not to return to build.
“This scheme will allow Nigerians abroad to own homes in their home country without having sleepless nights.”
Lawal urged Nigerians in all parts of the world to take advantage of the scheme to own homes anywhere in their home country as soon as it became fully operational.
“This innovative partnership between NiDCOM and FMBN is a critical step in leveraging the diaspora for economic development.
“It exemplifies an active and committed attitude toward national development and reflects a profound commitment to the leveraging of our global community toward mutual growth.
“This scheme is, will, therefore, enable Nigerians in the diaspora to afford a credible investment opportunity that will further enhance their contributions to the economic sustainability of Nigeria.”
The APC chieftain said that the scheme is one of the keys to raising Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and ensuring meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
“The setting up of a technical committee to manage this project in a bid that offers balanced representation and expert oversight can only stand it in good stead, hence increasing the potential for its success.
“This scheme attests to the dedication of the Nigerian government to its diaspora community, and I am sure that it will further strengthen the relationship between our country and its global citizens,” he added.
He said the initiative was already being applauded by many Nigerians in the diaspora and urged that the take-off date should be sacrosanct. (NAN)
