The Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited for the construction of 3,750 aqua-agro housing units in Kankia and Raɗɗa towns.
The project is aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, job creation, and economic diversification across the state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Dikko Umaru Raɗɗa described the agreement as a major milestone in the housing sector and a reflection of his administration’s commitment to people-centred development. He said the partnership formalises a public-private collaboration designed to expand access to decent housing, stimulate socio-economic growth, and improve livelihoods in the host communities.
The governor disclosed that project sites have already been handed over to COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited to enable immediate commencement. He added that the company is expected to complete its internal processes within 10 days, after which full implementation will begin.
Earlier, the Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, said the initiative would deliver about 3,750 housing units with strong emphasis on youth empowerment, community development, and skills acquisition. He noted that beyond housing, the project is structured to generate employment opportunities and build human capacity at the grassroots.
The Managing Director of COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Murtala Sani Ibrahim, revealed that the project will attract an estimated ₦155 billion investment across Kankia and Raɗɗa towns. He explained that the scheme adopts an integrated housing and economic empowerment model focused on affordability, sustainability, and long-term income generation.
According to him, beneficiaries will receive training in modern agricultural practices, including vegetable cultivation and fish farming. Under the arrangement, each household is projected to earn up to ₦200,000 monthly, while saving between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000 to gradually offset the cost of their homes and farms.
He added that within three to five years, beneficiaries would attain full ownership of their houses and farms, while continuing to generate income through agricultural production and export.
Unlike conventional housing estates, the aqua-agro housing cities will be developed in a clustered and integrated manner, combining residential housing with agricultural and irrigation zones, markets and commercial centres, schools, healthcare facilities, road networks, utilities, and security infrastructure.
The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase will cover Kankia and Raɗɗa towns, while the second phase will extend to Katsina, Daura, and Funtua Local Government Areas.
The investors assured the state government that local contractors, artisans, and suppliers would be prioritised throughout the project, a move expected to stimulate local businesses and strengthen the state’s economy.
Housing experts at the event noted that similar integrated housing-agriculture city models in countries such as Egypt, China, and Brazil have delivered positive socio-economic outcomes, including urban decongestion, poverty reduction, youth employment, and rural economic growth.
