By Lawrence Etim.

President Jonathan, on Thursday stated that improving the living standards of Nigerians is a commitment his administration is resolutely pursuing.
Mr. Jonathan who spoke at the commissioning of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, Aviation Village, Abuja, said his administration would work towards consolidating reforms in the housing sector in order to address the huge housing deficit in the country.

While commending the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and FMBN for initiating and financing the N2.4 billion project of 270 flats, President Jonathan added that the recommendations of the 2011 housing retreat he hosted in Abuja were being implemented and results emerging.

Also launching the National Housing Fund, NHF, e-card scheme, Jonathan said it was an effective tool for contributors to the NHF to easily access and monitor their contributions and transactions with the Fund, adding that it was part of his administration’s objectives to promote openness in government business, boost contributors’ confidence, and encourage defaulters to now start complying by making their contributions as and when due.

He extolled the Public-Private-Partnership, PPP arrangement which paced way for the Aviation Village. “Our intention is not to create a government monopoly, but to encourage the private sector to drive the process while we provide the right policies and environment.”