The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in partnership with the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria (IMBLN) is set to deal with fraud in the housing mortgage sector.
The Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford O. Okparaodu made this known on behalf of the ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa A. Aliyu, when he received the Registrar of IMBLN, Dr. Jasper Adeleye and his team.
According to Okparaodu, tackling the fraud in the housing sector would reduce bureaucracy in accessing mortgages, thereby giving more Nigerians access to affordable housing.
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He said the issue of housing has always been of great concern for all especially as the 1999 constitution, as amended, made provision for it, thereby making decent housing a right for all.
The Secretary however expressed sadness over the influx of fraudsters in the sector, who daily deny Nigerians the fulfilment of their dream of owning a decent accommodation.
He therefore urged IMBLN to reduce ambiguity in the process of access to mortgage for Nigerians to save them from falling into the hands of hoodlums.
“ICPC is willing to partner with you to promote good governance, integrity and better life for Nigerians. We will have an exchange of communication and intelligence, give us access to data and we will work out modalities to aid the collaboration,” he said.
Meanwhile, an executive from the IMBLN, Mr. Kingsley Ojo, who spoke on behalf of the team also noted that the inability to provide housing and access to mortgage for Nigerians affects not just the citizens but also the GDP of the Nation.
He said the issues surrounding mortgage and accessible housing bedevilled by corruption perpetuates poverty, inequality and deprives countless families of a basic human right of having a place to call home.
“We believe that a collaboration between us can significantly contribute to eradicating corruption, money laundering and ensuring affordable housing for Nigerians”, he said.