…CLEARS BACKLOG

The Management of Federal Housing Authority has conducted a promotion exercise for its staff. The exercise cleared the backlog of promotions in the Authority, which had often caused strife between in-house labour unions and management.

The exercise stands as a strong reflection of the current administration under the leadership of Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Managing Director/Chief Executive, whose tenure has consistently prioritised staff welfare, strengthened the Authority, and insisted on merit-based advancement.

For credibility purposes, the promotion exercise was conducted by the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) in accordance with the standard Public Service Rules (PSR). To ensure adequate preparation by staff, the process began with a two-day intensive lecture held at the Institute.

Earlier, in a memo dated 3rd November 2025 to all staff, issued by the General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Humphrey Ukeh, titled “Conveying the Dates for Staff Promotions Examinations & Interviews, Guidelines and Other Necessary Information for the Conduct of the 2023, 2024 & 2025 Staff Promotions”, the guidelines for the exercise were clearly stipulated and laid out. The memo conveyed PSIN’s dates for the promotion exercise as follows:

Officers on GLs 14–16: 11th to 13th November 2025.

Officers on GLs 07–13: 18th to 20th November 2025.

This approach helped participants understand what was expected of them and prepared them adequately for the examinations. Participants commended the organisation and clarity of the programme, describing it as fair, educative, and professionally handled.

The promotion examinations and interviews were conducted in two batches simultaneously at the Head Office and the South West Zone. For logistical reasons, staff from the Head Office, North Central, North West, North East, and South East Zones, as well as officers on Grade Levels 14 to 16 from the South West Zone, sat for the examination in Abuja, while the remaining staff from the South West Zone had theirs in Lagos.

Prior to the examination, the list of all eligible candidates and available vacancies was published. Promotions for Grade Level 14 and above were strictly based on vacancies on the existing organogram. Capacity, organisational needs, and performance in the examinations and interviews were also key factors considered.

Furthermore, sitting for and passing the examination with the minimum threshold of 60 percent was a mandatory prerequisite for promotion.

Earlier, staff on Grade Levels 1 to 6 who sat for and passed their examinations had all been promoted.

In an interview, the General Manager, Administration and Human Resources Department, Mr. Humphrey Ukeh, expressed appreciation to the current FHA Management for prioritising staff welfare and professional growth. According to him, the examination process was designed to be transparent and inclusive, ensuring equal opportunity for all eligible staff while reinforcing competence and accountability across the workforce.

The SSASCGOC President, FHA Branch, Comrade Solomon Tule, also lauded Management for sustaining dialogue with staff unions and carrying them along throughout the examination process. He noted that the smooth conduct of the training and examinations reflected mutual trust between Management and staff, adding that such initiatives boost morale and strengthen harmony within the Authority.

Similarly, the General Manager, Standards and Performance, Mrs. Hauwa Ummai, emphasised that the promotional examination aligns with FHA’s broader vision of efficiency and excellence. She stated that the exercise was not just about promotion, but about reinforcing standards, improving service delivery, and ensuring that leadership positions are occupied by capable and well-prepared personnel.

PSIN provided a conducive learning and examination environment, professional facilitators, and effective logistical support throughout the programme. Their expertise contributed significantly to the success of both the training sessions and the examination days, ensuring a seamless and credible process.

Overall, the exercise reflected a forward-thinking administration committed to fairness, staff development, and institutional excellence. The collaboration between FHA Management, staff unions, and PSIN demonstrates a shared resolve to uphold high standards and continuously improve organisational performance.

With the results released, the Authority has promptly forwarded them for ministerial approval, after which affected staff will be appropriately communicated.