Controversy Surrounds Katsina's N155bn Housing Project

The proposed N155 billion agro-housing scheme in Katsina State aims to construct 3,750 housing units through a public-private partnership involving the Katsina State government and Cosmo Residential City Nigeria Limited. The project, which includes 2,500 units in Kankia and 1,250 units in Radda, is designed to provide beneficiaries with homes alongside agricultural training and support.

However, it has attracted controversy, particularly due to its location in Radda, the hometown of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, raising concerns about favoritism and equitable distribution of development across the state. Critics argue that the project overlooks significant infrastructural deficits and security challenges faced by the 34 local government areas in Katsina.

The state government, represented by Alhaji Falalu Bawal, has countered claims of favoritism, clarifying that the N155 billion represents total project investment and not state budget allocation, emphasizing that the project will not cost the state government any funds.