By Abdullahi Inuwa, Maiduguri
The Borno State Government has pledged to partner with Mshel Homes Limited to expand access to affordable housing for low-income households, the middle class, and resettled displaced persons across the state.
The commitment was made on Saturday during the official opening and unveiling of the Mshel Homes Maiduguri Outlet at the Borno State Hotel.
Representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Dr. Hassan Zanna Boguma, Special Adviser to the Governor on History, Culture and Tourism, commended Mshel Homes for investing in housing as the state continues its recovery from more than 16 years of insurgency.
“Borno, particularly over the last 16 years, has suffered enormously. Communities were displaced, sources of livelihood were destroyed, and families were torn apart in parts of the state,” Dr. Boguma said.
He noted that under Governor Zulum’s administration, significant progress has been made in shelter provision, including the recent groundbreaking for new detached housing units in Biu and other local government areas.
“Over the last seven and a half years, His Excellency has delivered thousands of houses for the less privileged, especially after resettling most of our internally displaced persons. The resettlement and construction efforts of the state government are visible to all,” he added.
Dr. Boguma described Mshel Homes’ entry into Borno as timely, citing the state’s vast land resources for development.
“It is our hope to see housing units for the less privileged and for the business community. Borno has vast land that requires development. Therefore, the state government will definitely partner with Mshel Homes,” he said.
He further described the firm as “a housing and land development company owned by one of our own,” and stressed the government’s responsibility to collaborate in providing shelter.
“Our aim is to partner with Mshel Homes to provide decent homes that low-income earners, the middle class, and resettled persons can call their own,” he stated.
Alhaji Abba Bukar, District Head of Maisandari, who represented His Eminence, the Shehu of Borno, called for improved land administration and transparency in property valuation to support housing and infrastructure growth.
“Land and housing are the foundation of any society. Proper land records help prevent disputes and enable government and citizens to plan effectively for housing and infrastructure in Borno,” Alhaji Bukar said.
He commended the Zulum administration for establishing institutions such as the Borno Geographic Information Service and the Borno Urban Planning and Development Board.
“We commend the Borno State Government under Professor Babagana Umara Zulum for creating agencies that are driving successful urban planning in the state,” he said. Linking infrastructure to post-conflict recovery, he added: “The commissioning of homes, roads, and clinics is aimed at restoring the dignity of our people.”
“I call on professionals to ensure transparency, integrity, and professionalism in property valuation. Valuations must reflect true market value,” he said.
He also charged traditional institutions to support governance.
“Traditional rulers must advise, guide, and ensure peace and development. Our role includes working with government and communities to advance affordable housing and urban planning,” he said, while emphasizing compliance with building standards “to protect lives.”
He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah grant us wisdom to serve. The welfare of our people must come first.”
Mr. Dogara Durkwa, Special Adviser to the Adamawa State Governor on Community Mobilization and a client of Mshel Homes, praised the company for addressing housing challenges in the North East.
“Today, I congratulate Borno State and Maiduguri in particular because for the past three years we have enjoyed the services of Mshel Homes in Adamawa State. Mshel Homes is not just a solution to our housing problems, but a gateway,” Mr. Durkwa said.
He described the company’s expansion to Borno as significant for rebuilding communities affected by insurgency.
Speaking on the firm’s culture, he said: “The leadership of Mshel Group believes the sky is big enough to accommodate everyone, and they are always willing to collaborate.”
As both an investor and subscriber, Mr. Durkwa vouched for the company’s credibility.
“Mshel Homes is a company you can trust. I have no record of anyone with a complaint against them,” he said.
“Borno State is the home of peace and tourism. I congratulate not only Mshel Homes today, but Borno State.”
The Maiduguri outlet was unveiled by Dr. Musa Tarimbuka, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mshel Group. The event also featured a keynote address by the Group Managing Director of Mshel Group, client testimonials, and goodwill messages from government and traditional representatives.
Mshel Homes said the new office will serve as a hub for property sales, land development, and housing finance for residents of Borno and neighboring states.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and clients.
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