Thousands of Nigerian workers contribute to the National Housing Fund (NHF) throughout their careers, but many are unaware that they can apply to recover their contributions when they become eligible.
The NHF Refund Scheme, administered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), allows qualified contributors to receive their accumulated contributions together with the applicable interest after retirement or under other approved circumstances.
If you are approaching retirement or qualify under the scheme, here’s everything you need to know about the application process.
Programme Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | National Housing Fund (NHF) Refund |
| Managing Institution | Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible NHF contributors and legal representatives |
| Refund Includes | Total NHF contributions plus applicable interest |
| Application Method | FMBN branches nationwide or approved online platform |
| Processing Requirement | Submission of required supporting documents |
| Application Status | Ongoing |
What Is the NHF Refund?
The National Housing Fund Refund is a benefit available to eligible contributors who have consistently made NHF deductions during their working years.
Under the scheme, contributors can recover the money deducted from their salaries together with the interest accrued over time, provided they meet the eligibility requirements established by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
The refund serves as a way of returning contributors’ savings after they have completed their active service or under other qualifying conditions.
How the NHF Refund Is Calculated
The amount payable generally consists of:
- Total monthly NHF contributions made during employment
- The total number of months contributions were made
- Applicable interest on the accumulated contributions
A simplified representation is:
NHF Refund = Monthly Contribution × Number of Months Contributed + Applicable Interest
The actual amount payable is determined by FMBN based on its official records and applicable regulations.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
An NHF contributor may apply for a refund if they:
- Have retired upon attaining 60 years of age
- Have completed 35 years of service
- Become permanently incapacitated and unable to continue working
- Are self-employed and attain the qualifying retirement age
Where a contributor is deceased, the next of kin or legally recognised representative may apply for the refund on behalf of the deceased.
Where to Submit Your Application
Eligible applicants can submit their NHF Refund applications through:
- Any Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) branch nationwide
- The official FMBN Internet Banking Platform, where applicable
Employees in some organisations may also process their applications through designated officers or administrative units, who will forward the documents to FMBN for processing.
Documents Generally Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Application letter requesting NHF refund
- Letter of Offer of Appointment
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
- Introduction Letter from former employer
- First Appointment Letter
- Confirmation of Appointment Letter
Providing complete and accurate documentation can help reduce delays during processing.
Additional Supporting Documents
Applicants may also be required to submit:
- Retirement Letter
- Completed NHF Withdrawal Forms
- NHF Passbook (where applicable)
- Bank account details for payment
- Any additional documents requested during verification
FMBN may request further information depending on individual circumstances.
Requirements for Permanent Incapacitation Cases
Applicants seeking refunds due to permanent incapacitation should provide:
- A handwritten application letter
- Medical report confirming permanent incapacitation
- Confirmation letter from employer or relevant organisation
These documents are used to establish eligibility under the incapacitation provisions of the scheme.
Requirements for Deceased Contributors
Where the contributor has passed away, the next of kin or legal representative should provide:
- Handwritten application letter
- Death Certificate
- Letter of Administration for refunds exceeding ₦150,000
Additional documents may be requested to verify the claimant’s legal authority to receive the refund.
Before You Apply
Before visiting an FMBN office or submitting your application, ensure that:
- You meet the eligibility requirements;
- All supporting documents are complete and accurate;
- Your bank account details are correct; and
- You retain copies of every document submitted for future reference.
Preparing your documents in advance can help speed up the verification and processing of your NHF Refund application.
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