FG promises intervention in Zaria railway compensation dispute

The Federal Government has pledged to intervene in compensation disputes affecting residents impacted by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, while considering a request to name a proposed railway extension after the grandfather of the Emir of Zazzau.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurances in a statement on Friday following a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions and host communities on railway development.

Adebiyi disclosed that the ministry would review the request to name the proposed railway extension in recognition of the historical contributions of the Emir’s grandfather to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria.

He also pledged to personally intervene in compensation disputes affecting residents whose properties and interests had been impacted by the railway construction project.

According to the statement, he assured the monarch that the ministry would “examine the complaints and work towards an acceptable resolution.”

The ministry said compensation-related challenges were among the factors delaying the extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.

Adebiyi acknowledged concerns arising from the existing statutory framework governing compensation, saying the ministry would “undertake the necessary review to address the grievances of affected residents.”

He further disclosed that he planned to meet with the affected residents the following week to examine their complaints, review relevant records and determine appropriate steps towards resolving the outstanding issues.

The permanent secretary also assured the Emir that the ministry would “give the matter the required attention” and work to ensure that the compensation concerns were addressed as promptly as possible.

He thanked the monarch for receiving the delegation and commended his hospitality, noting that “sustained collaboration with traditional institutions was essential to the successful implementation of railway infrastructure projects.”

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Earlier, Bamali expressed delight at the return of railway services to Zaria, describing the development as “a significant milestone that rekindled the historical relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.”

Recalling his childhood experience with the railway, the monarch said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time.

He described the experience as “a memorable part of the area’s railway history.”

The Emir stressed that railway development in Zaria had historical roots that deserved greater recognition, particularly the contributions of individuals who initiated and facilitated the project.

He consequently appealed to the Federal Government to consider naming the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his role in establishing railway transportation in Zaria.

Bamali urged the permanent secretary to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Tinubu, expressing hope that the government would give it favourable consideration.

The monarch, who welcomed the return of train services, also noted that improved rail connectivity would ease the difficulties associated with road travel.

He disclosed that he had consistently used train services for trips to Abuja and called for sustained investment in railway transportation as a viable alternative for Nigerians.

However, he raised concerns about the settlement of land acquisition issues, urging the authorities to address the grievances of affected residents and ensure that their interests received appropriate consideration.