In a major boost for federal civil servants, the Federal Government has approved an upward review of housing loan ceilings, allowing permanent secretaries to access as much as ₦25 million to own personal homes.
The new structure, contained in a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, marks a significant increase from the previous ₦15 million limit for top-ranking officials. The memo, signed by the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and supporting home ownership among public servants.
Under the revised arrangement, officers on Grade Levels 15 to 16 can now access up to ₦12 million, while those on Level 17 are eligible for ₦14 million. Levels 12 to 14 can receive ₦10 million, Levels 8 to 10 can access ₦8 million, Levels 5 to 7 are entitled to ₦6 million, and Levels 3 to 4 can obtain ₦5 million.
The memo, which was addressed to top government officials including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged interested civil servants to follow due process in applying for the facility through the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.
It also clarified that the loan is repayable over a period of up to 25 years, depending on the applicant’s age. In cases of retirement or death before full repayment, specific repayment or property recovery measures would be applied as stipulated by government policy.
Reacting to the development, former National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Tommy Etim, welcomed the decision, describing it as “a long-overdue and commendable step.”
He said, “This review makes the loan more meaningful and attainable for officers across all levels. It reflects fairness since each cadre’s ceiling is tied to their annual income.”
The federal government’s latest policy move is expected to enhance access to affordable housing and strengthen morale within the civil service.
