By Oluwakemi Kindness
The House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF).
The committee also granted its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Armstrong Ume-Takang, a one-week extension to appear before lawmakers while insisting that he must personally attend the rescheduled hearing.
The Committee is examining the administration, operations and performance of the Fund following several petitions submitted by stakeholders, as well as concerns over the implementation of the housing initiative.
MREIF is a flagship programme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration designed to expand access to affordable homeownership by mobilising long-term financing for housing development across the country.
Chairman of the Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, in a statement says the investigation forms part of the National Assembly’s oversight responsibility to ensure that the Fund is being administered in line with its objectives and the expectations of Nigerians.
“The Committee is embarking on this exercise to ensure that the administration and performance of MREIF meet the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and deliver on its mandate to Nigerians,” Jibrin said.
As part of the probe, the Committee had initially summoned Dr. Takang and the entire MREIF management team to appear before it on June 2, 2026.
However, in a letter to the Committee, the MREIF CEO acknowledged the summons and reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to legislative oversight and cooperation with the National Assembly.
He explained that he was outside Abuja on an official engagement scheduled before receiving the invitation and requested that the hearing be rescheduled.
Dr. Takang also assured lawmakers of MREIF’s readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Responding to the request, Jibrin said the Committee, in the spirit of fairness and cooperation, approved a one-week extension and rescheduled the hearing to June 9, 2026.
He stressed, however, that the extension was granted specifically to enable the Managing Director to attend in person, describing his appearance as critical to the Committee’s inquiry.
“The Committee expects the Managing Director and the entire management team of MREIF to appear before it on Tuesday, June 9, 2026,” he stated.
Jibrin said the investigation would thoroughly examine the Fund’s activities, address all petitions before the Committee and assess whether the initiative is achieving its mandate of expanding access to affordable housing.
He added that lawmakers remain committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and effective implementation of the housing programme in line with the Federal Government’s housing agenda.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide an opportunity for lawmakers to evaluate the effectiveness of MREIF, address concerns raised by stakeholders and strengthen public confidence in government-backed housing finance initiatives aimed at reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
