The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commissioned a series of development projects aimed at strengthening climate resilience, promoting peace, restoring livelihoods and supporting internally displaced persons across the state.

The projects include 152 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs), a Climate Peace Hub, a rehabilitated cattle market and a solar mini-grid energy system designed to expand access to clean and reliable electricity.

The interventions were unveiled during a commissioning ceremony attended by government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, private sector representatives and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Governor Dikko Umar Radda reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with development partners to address insecurity, climate challenges and economic vulnerability.

“Katsina State stands ready to deepen that partnership. We will continue to work hand in hand with UNDP, GIZ, the Norwegian Government and every partner committed to human dignity to address the underlying drivers of insecurity, expand livelihoods, build climate resilience and empower our women and youth,” the governor said.

The projects are being implemented under UNDP’s integrated development framework, which combines peacebuilding, climate resilience, governance, energy access and economic recovery initiatives to deliver sustainable development outcomes.

The Mass Housing Project, delivered under the Prevention Facility Project, provides permanent housing solutions for vulnerable and conflict-affected families, helping to improve living conditions and support community recovery.

Speaking during the commissioning, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Elsie G. Attafuah, said the investments were designed to address the root causes of instability while creating opportunities for affected communities.

“The 152 housing units provide more than shelter. They provide dignity, stability and a place that families can once again call home. The rehabilitated cattle market and veterinary clinic help restore livelihoods and support local economic activity,” she said.

Attafuah added that the Climate Peace Hub would serve as a platform for climate-security coordination, conflict prevention, early warning systems and community engagement.

According to her, the facility will also provide women and youths with opportunities to acquire green skills in renewable energy and climate-smart solutions, preparing them for emerging opportunities in the green economy.

The initiative is supported by the governments of Germany and Norway, which have partnered with UNDP to advance climate security and resilience-building programmes in Northwest Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, Annett Günther commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment to sustainable development and resilience-building efforts.

The solar mini-grid project, implemented under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) programme, is expected to provide electricity to homes, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses in underserved communities.

Representing the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Bala Tyoden said the initiative would enhance economic activities and improve living standards in beneficiary communities.

He noted that the Africa Minigrid Programme demonstrates how clean energy can support businesses, create jobs and improve quality of life while promoting climate-resilient development.

The Katsina State Government and its partners expressed optimism that the integrated investments would strengthen social cohesion, improve livelihoods and create sustainable pathways for peace and prosperity across the state.

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The Katsina State Government has clarified details surrounding the ₦155 billion agro-residential housing project planned for Kankia and Charanchi Local Government Areas, insisting that the initiative will deliver affordable housing, employment, and sustainable agricultural livelihoods for residents across the state.

Addressing growing public interest in the project, the Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, said the programme is structured as a self-financing development model that places no direct financial burden on the state government.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the State Secretariat Complex in Katsina, Bawale explained that the project, being implemented in partnership with COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited, combines housing development with agriculture and aquaculture to ensure long-term economic sustainability.

How the project will work

Under the agreement, the Katsina State Government will provide land and guarantees, while the private consultant will finance, construct, and manage the project. According to Bawale, the consultant will recover its investment through the sale of agricultural produce generated within the housing estates.

“The project is a game-changer. The consultant recovers its investment from agricultural output, not from state funds,” he said.

Participants selected for the programme will undergo training in agriculture and aquaculture and will receive a monthly stipend of ₦200,000 during the implementation phase.

Bawale added that beneficiaries will be drawn from all 34 local government areas of the state, ensuring broad inclusion and equitable access to the programme.

Housing and agriculture combined

The project follows the signing of a ₦155 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Katsina State Government and COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited on January 22, 2026.

Under the agreement, 2,500 housing units will be constructed in Kankia Local Government Area, while 1,000 units will be developed in Radda community, Charanchi Local Government Area, bringing the total to 3,500 homes.

Governor Dikko Radda, while signing the MoU at the Government House in Katsina, described the initiative as an innovative agro-residential model designed to address housing shortages, unemployment, and food security simultaneously.

Each housing unit will feature backyard fish farming and vegetable gardens, enabling residents to generate income while meeting household food needs.

Economic impact and youth empowerment

The General Manager of the Katsina State Housing Authority, Aliyu Kurfi, praised the project, noting that it would create thousands of jobs, particularly for young people.

He also commended Governor Radda and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, for supporting a model that blends housing delivery with economic empowerment.

According to the state government, beneficiaries will include unemployed youths and low-income households, including individuals without formal education but with practical farming or vocational skills.

Ownership structure and savings plan

Governor Radda explained that participants are expected to earn up to ₦200,000 monthly, from which they will make mandatory savings of between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000.

These savings will gradually offset investors’ costs, after which beneficiaries will gain full ownership of both the houses and farm assets within three to five years.

“This approach ensures dignity, ownership, and sustainability, rather than dependency,” the governor said.

Project timeline

The governor disclosed that land for the project has already been allocated in both Kankia and Radda communities, while COSMOS Residential City Nigeria Limited has committed to mobilising to site within 10 days.

Construction is expected to be completed within 16 months to two years, subject to weather and logistical conditions.

State officials say the initiative aligns with Katsina’s broader development strategy focused on housing delivery, youth employment, and agricultural productivity.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has approved the appointment of new heads for major state agencies.

Abba Junaidu was named Chairman of the Road Maintenance Agency, while Dr. Babangida Ruma became Director-General of the Enterprise Development Agency.

Former Head of Service, Idris Usman Tune, will now chair the Civil Service Commission.

Radda also reconstituted the Pension Bureau, appointing Ibrahim Boyi Dutsinma as Chairman and Hon. Muntari Dan Ammani as Executive Secretary of the Pension Transition Board.

The governor urged the appointees to prioritize service delivery under his “Building Your Future” agenda.

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