The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is working towards a 30-day turnaround time for National Housing Fund (NHF) mortgage loan processing and a maximum of eight documentation requirements in a renewed push to improve customer service and expand access to affordable homeownership.

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‎The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Shehu Usman Osidi, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the opening of the Bank’s 2026 Management Strategy Retreat in Kano. He said the ministerial directives provide important benchmarks, challenging management to improve efficiency and deliver measurable results for NHF contributors, mortgage applicants and other stakeholders.

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‎Osidi called for a review of procedures that cause delays, the removal of unnecessary documentation and improved coordination across departments. He also advocated reviewing the authority and responsibilities of Zonal and Branch Offices to enable appropriate decentralisation of decision-making and disbursement, supported by clear controls and accountability.

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‎While acknowledging the Bank’s progress in financial performance, housing delivery and digital transformation, Osidi stressed that these gains must translate into better customer experiences. He called for greater use of FMBN’s digital channels, including the iBank platform, NHF online portal, FMBN Mobile App, *219# USSD service and Contact Centre, alongside wider adoption of electronic document management and automated workflows.

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‎He further disclosed that Board approvals had been obtained to establish dedicated NHF Diaspora Loan and Non-Interest Mortgage Strategic Business Units to strengthen implementation of the respective products.  He added that the Bank is also establishing an Innovation Hub in Kaduna to develop and test innovative housing finance solutions, beginning with a pilot focused on the informal sector.

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‎“The bottom line in all of these is to make the Bank easier to reach, easier to transact with and faster in delivering results,” he said.

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‎The opening ceremony was attended by the Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdu; Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Mr. Ibidapo Odojukan; and Executive Director, Business Development and Portfolio Management, Mrs. Chinenye Chinedu Anosike.

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‎Presenting an update on the current strategy and priorities for 2027–2029, the Bank’s Group Head of Strategy and Performance Management, Mr. Oladapo Fakeye, identified opportunities to deepen mortgage penetration, accelerate loan origination, strengthen credit quality and recovery, and advance digital transformation to improve service delivery.

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‎In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Retreat Organising Committee, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Ka’oje, said the retreat would review the implementation of the 2022–2026 Five-Year Strategy Blueprint and guide the development of a new Three-Year Strategy Blueprint for 2027–2029. He noted that a “Fireside Chat” had been introduced to encourage direct engagement between Executive Management and senior officers on operational challenges and practical reforms.

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‎The Guest Speaker, Dr. Emmanuel Akinwumi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Financing and Partnerships Africa Limited, shared perspectives on strengthening development finance institutions, drawing on FMBN’s institutional development and lessons from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

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‎The three-day retreat, themed “Building Resilience through Innovative Customer Service,” is holding from October 27 to 29, 2026 and brings together FMBN’s Executive Management, Group Heads, Zonal and Branch Managers to review institutional priorities and chart the Bank’s next strategic cycle.

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