The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has solicited partnership with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to provide personnel with quality and affordable houses.

The managing director and chief executive of the FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja after visiting Mr Musa in his office.

Mr Ojo said that the collaboration between FHA and the military would afford them proper and adequate housing.

He condoled with the army over the sad incident in Delta that took the lives of some soldiers and thanked the armed forces for the crucial role they play in defending the nation.

“The main purpose of the visit is to work for the provision of quality and affordable houses for the personnel of the Armed Forces in view of the crucial role and sacrifices they make.

“We deem it fit that with what your men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces are doing in this country, you deserve more than just having shelter, you deserve affordable and qualitative shelter,’’ he said

Mr Ojo said that the morale of the personnel would be boosted once they know that their families are well protected in case of injuries, casualties or retirement by having roofs over their heads.

He said FHA decided that the army would be the off takers of this administration’s housing because of the critical role they play.

Mr Ojo said that FHA has various house types and delivery models adopted to satisfy all Cadres and strata of Nigerians.

He noted that models such as the carcass of the one-bedroom and studio formats would be targeted at junior and younger officers, while senior officers could choose the finished ones.

Responding, Mr Musa acknowledged the importance of Housing for men of the Armed Forces because of the mobile nature of their jobs and at retirement.

Mr Musa appreciated FHA for the gesture and asked that emphasis should be placed on quality in the case of Mass Housing.

He also expressed interest in the building of comprehensive estates that would have facilities such as hospitals and recreational areas where personnel could train and dissipate energy.

“The military engineers will have to liaise with FHA in materialising this laudable initiative.’’

(NAN)