The Federal Government has committed to resolving compensation disputes affecting residents in Zaria, Kaduna State, whose properties were impacted by railway construction projects. Funso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, made the pledge following a visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, on Friday. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the government and traditional institutions on railway development initiatives.
Adebiyi said the ministry would review complaints from affected residents and work towards finding an acceptable resolution. He acknowledged that compensation-related challenges were among the factors causing delays to the railway line extension from Jadji Station towards the Kano-Abuja rail corridor. The permanent secretary committed to personally examining the concerns and meeting with affected residents the following week to assess their grievances, review relevant records and determine next steps. He said the ministry would also undertake a necessary review of the existing statutory framework governing compensation to address residents' grievances.
During the visit, the Emir raised concerns about unresolved land acquisition issues and urged authorities to ensure affected residents received appropriate consideration for their interests. He also requested that the proposed railway extension be named after his grandfather in recognition of his historical role in establishing railway transportation in Zaria. The Emir recalled his childhood experience in 1949, when he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi to see a train for the first time, describing it as a memorable part of the area's railway history.
The Emir expressed appreciation for the return of train services to Zaria, calling it a significant milestone that rekindled the historical relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate. He noted that improved rail connectivity would reduce difficulties associated with road travel and urged sustained government investment in railway transportation as a viable alternative for Nigerians. Adebiyi thanked the monarch for his hospitality and stressed that continued collaboration with traditional institutions was essential for successful implementation of railway infrastructure projects.
For residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, the government's commitment to reviewing compensation disputes and the statutory framework governing payments offers potential pathways to resolving long-standing grievances over their lost or impacted properties and interests.