The Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited for the development of 3,750 housing units in Kankia and Raɗɗa towns, marking a major milestone in the state’s drive for sustainable urban development, job creation, and economic diversification.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Governor’s Office, Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina, was witnessed by top government officials, stakeholders, and representatives of COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Raɗɗa, PhD, CON, described the MoU as a landmark achievement in the housing sector and a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to people-oriented development.
The Governor explained that the agreement formally seals a strategic public-private partnership that will deliver approximately 3,750 housing units across Kankia and Raɗɗa towns, with the objective of stimulating socio-economic development, expanding access to decent housing, and improving livelihoods in the beneficiary communities.
Governor Raɗɗa noted that the MoU was the product of a transparent and rigorous process, involving a comprehensive review of all relevant documents and an extensive assessment conducted by a joint committee led by the Head of the Civil Service, alongside project planners and other critical stakeholders. He emphasized that due diligence was a priority to ensure the project aligns with the state’s development goals and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
He further disclosed that the project sites have already been handed over to COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited to enable immediate take-off. According to the Governor, the company is expected to conclude its internal processes within the next 10 days, after which full-scale implementation of the project will commence.
The Governor expressed appreciation to all stakeholders whose sustained engagement and cooperation culminated in the signing of the MoU, and he urged them to continue supporting the partnership to ensure successful execution and long-term sustainability.
Earlier in his remarks, the Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, stated that the project will deliver about 3,750 housing units with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, community development, and skills acquisition. He added that the initiative goes beyond housing, as it is designed to create employment opportunities and enhance human capacity at the grassroots level.
In his address, the Managing Director of COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Murtala Sani Ibrahim, revealed that an estimated ₦155 billion will be invested in the project across Kankia and Raɗɗa towns. He explained that the project adopts an integrated housing and economic empowerment model aimed at ensuring affordability, sustainability, and long-term income generation for beneficiaries.
Alhaji Murtala further disclosed that the programme includes training for beneficiaries in modern agricultural practices, such as vegetable cultivation and fish farming. Under the scheme, each household is expected to earn a monthly stipend of up to ₦200,000, while saving between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000 monthly to gradually offset the cost of their homes and farms.
He explained that within a period of three to five years, beneficiaries will fully own their houses and farms outright and will continue to generate income through the export of agricultural products, thereby ensuring financial independence and improved living standards.
The project is expected to be implemented in two phases. The first phase will focus on Kankia and Raɗɗa towns, while the second phase will expand the initiative to Katsina, Daura, and Funtua Local Government Areas.
The investors also assured the Katsina State Government of their commitment to prioritizing local contractors, artisans, and suppliers throughout the project lifecycle, a move expected to significantly boost local businesses and strengthen the state’s economy.
The housing and empowerment programme is projected to commence within the next 10 days to two weeks and is expected to provide a major economic boost, create jobs, enhance skills development, and improve access to affordable housing for thousands of citizens across Katsina State.
