Many Nigerians are unaware of this. That lack of awareness is one reason so many remain lifelong tenants.
There is a federal law, the NHF Act, which entitles Nigerian workers earning above a specified minimum (originally ₦3,000 per annum) to benefit from government-backed housing support.
This law gives eligible contributors access to low-interest mortgage loans (around 6 % per annum — not the 18 % or 22 % common with commercial bank mortgage).
The law remains valid in 2025. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
Unfortunately, many Nigerians have never heard of it — so they never take advantage of their rights under the law.
What the NHF Act provides
Under NHF:
- Workers who contribute are eligible for a federal mortgage loan at roughly 6 % interest — the most affordable loan rate in the country. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
- Contributors can use the loan to:
- Build a home (if they already own land),
- Buy a home,
- Renovate or expand an existing home,
- Participate in federal housing schemes across Nigeria. fmbn.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2
- The government — via FMBN — is obliged to mobilize funds and make housing finance available through NHF. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
Each contributor receives a lifetime NHF registration number, a passbook or account statement to track contributions. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
Who qualifies
- Originally: any Nigerian worker earning ₦3,000 (per annum) or more — public or private sector — was required to contribute 2.5% of monthly salary to NHF. fmbn.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2
- After recent reforms: for many private-sector employees, contribution is now voluntary; public-sector workers remain compelled to contribute. Punch Newspapers+1
- Self-employed Nigerians (if they meet minimum income criteria and voluntarily register) can also contribute under updated provisions. Mondaq+1
How to access NHF benefits
- Register (via your employer or directly) and get an NHF registration number. fmbn.gov.ng+1
- After at least six months of continuous contributions, you can apply for a loan through a licensed and accredited mortgage loan-originator (Primary Mortgage Bank — PMB), not directly via FMBN. fmbn.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2
- The loan is secured by the property you intend to build or buy; you must have acceptable title/ownership (if building on land). fmbn.gov.ng+1
- Maximum loan amounts and terms: as of 2025, the cap has been raised to as much as ₦50 million (previously ₦15 million). The Nation Newspaper+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
- Repayment terms can stretch up to 30 years at fixed low interest. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
What is True — and What Is Not / What Is Unclear
What is true / valid
- The NHF was established by Act 3 of 1992. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
- NHF exists and is administered by FMBN as of 2025. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmhud.gov.ng+2
- Contributors (public-sector workers; private-sector workers who voluntarily opt in; self-employed willing to register) are eligible for low-interest mortgage loans for building, buying or renovating homes. Tribune Online+3fmbn.gov.ng+3fmhud.gov.ng+3
- The interest rate for NHF-backed loans remains at ~6% p.a., with repayment periods up to 30 years. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmbn.gov.ng+2
- The maximum loan amount was recently increased to ₦50 million. The Nation Newspaper+2The Nation Newspaper+2
What is incorrect, exaggerated or unclear
- The claim that “the government is mandated by law to build you a house if you don’t have one” is not strictly accurate. The law does not guarantee that you are given a free house automatically. Rather — the law provides access to low-interest loans (through NHF) for contributors to build, buy or improve housing. fmbn.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2
- The statement implying that every contributor will automatically get a house or loan is misleading. Access depends on additional eligibility — documented title to land (if building), documentation, proof of regular income, and going through an accredited Primary Mortgage Bank (PMB). fmbn.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2
- The original income threshold (₦3,000 per annum) is a historical benchmark; economic realities have changed drastically, and application requirements now emphasize “minimum wage or above.” Also, for private-sector workers, contribution is voluntary today. Punch Newspapers+2pensionnigeria.com+2
- The assertion that “millions have never heard about it” is plausible, but difficult to verify precisely. What is verifiable is that a significant number of registered contributors have not accessed loans — often due to procedural, bureaucratic or eligibility challenges. fmhud.gov.ng+2Tribune Online+2
Bottom Line
- Yes — the NHF Act is real, still in force in 2025, and managed by FMBN. fmbn.gov.ng+2fmhud.gov.ng+2
- Yes — eligible Nigerian workers and registered contributors can access affordable, low-interest loans for housing (build, buy, renovate) under the scheme. fmbn.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2
- No — the law does not guarantee the government will “give you a house.” It provides access to finance, not a free gift.
- To benefit, you must 1) register, 2) make required contributions, 3) meet eligibility and documentation criteria, 4) apply through licensed PMB, and 5) have acceptable collateral (title or land, if building).