The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has inaugurated a four‑storey, N8 billion mall to boost employment and business in Abuja.

The managing director of FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, during the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja, said the mall is a four-floor suspended structure comprising 59 shopping spaces and a penthouse, fully serviced with modern amenities.

He noted that the project had been abandoned but was revived following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to complete stalled projects.

“The mall is the tallest within the FHA estates, and it is expected to generate employment for about 500 people, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and economic expansion.

“This goes beyond the provision of affordable and livable houses to include facilities that create a conducive business environment for Nigerians living and doing business in our estates,” he said.

Mr Ojo noted that the project was delivered through a public-private partnership arrangement, adding that no direct government funds were used.

“We provided the land, our partners built, and individuals invested by buying into the project. In terms of value, the project is worth between N6 billion and N8 billion,” he said.

Mr Ojo said the authority planned to replicate similar commercial facilities across all FHA estates nationwide.

He also disclosed that another complex had been developed from the old FHA site office in Lugbe to improve staff working conditions and generate additional revenue for the Authority, including office space for the FHA Mortgage Bank.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, while inaugurating the mall, commended the FHA for transforming into a performing agency focused on its core mandate of housing delivery.

“It is pleasing to note that the FHA is now poised to meet its responsibilities. The resolve we are witnessing is what Nigeria needs to overcome its challenges,” Mr Akume said.

He added that the federal government was creating an enabling environment to support economic growth, improve security, and reduce the cost of living.

The SGF reaffirmed that housing remains a top priority of the Tinubu administration, noting that the creation of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Mr Akume assured the FHA of continued government support and urged the authority to replicate such amenities across the country for the benefit of Nigerians.

(NAN)