Zaria Rail Expansion: FG Summons Affected Property Owners Over Compensation
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Federal Government has moved to tackle compensation disputes threatening the expansion of railway infrastructure in Zaria, Kaduna State, with the Ministry of Transportation set to meet affected property owners next week.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, FNSE, disclosed the planned engagement with affected residents on during a courtesy visit to the Emir’s palace in Zaria.m, according to a statement made available on Friday by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations,Kate Nwachuku.
According to the ministry, the intervention came as the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Bamalli, appealed to the Federal Government to name a proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his contribution to the establishment of rail transportation in the area.
Adebiyi said compensation-related issues were among the factors delaying the extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano-Abuja rail corridor.
He said the ministry would review the complaints of residents whose properties and interests had been affected by the railway construction, as well as the relevant records, with a view to reaching an acceptable resolution.
The Permanent Secretary said he would personally meet the affected residents the following week to examine their grievances and determine the appropriate steps for resolving the outstanding claims.
He acknowledged that some of the disputes were linked to the existing statutory framework governing compensation, adding that the ministry would examine the issues within its mandate.
Emir seeks recognition for grandfather
While welcoming the Federal Government’s intervention on the compensation question, the Emir used the occasion to make a separate appeal concerning the historical legacy of rail transportation in Zaria.
Bamalli asked the Federal Government to consider naming the proposed railway extension after his grandfather, whom he credited with playing a role in the establishment of railway transportation in Kaduna State.
He urged Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that the proposal would receive favourable consideration.
The monarch said the railway had a deep historical connection with Zaria and deserved to be recognised beyond its present role as a means of transportation.
Recalling his childhood experience, Bamalli said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time.
He described the memory as part of the railway history of the area, stressing that the contributions of individuals who helped establish rail transportation should not be forgotten.
Rail as alternative to road travel
The Emir also welcomed the return of train services to Zaria, describing it as a major development that had revived an important link between the city and the railway system.
He said improved rail connectivity would ease the difficulties Nigerians face on the roads and called for sustained government investment in the sector.
Bamalli disclosed that he had consistently used train services for trips to Abuja, stressing the importance of making rail transportation more accessible and reliable.
However, he cautioned that the expansion of rail infrastructure should take into account the interests of communities affected by land acquisition.
The engagement between the ministry and the traditional institution therefore brought two issues to the fore: the need to resolve compensation claims that could affect the pace of railway expansion and the growing demand for historical recognition as rail infrastructure returns to communities that once played important roles in its development.
Adebiyi thanked the Emir for receiving the ministry’s delegation and said continued cooperation with traditional institutions and host communities would remain critical to the successful implementation of railway projects.
The proposed meeting with affected residents is expected to provide the ministry with an opportunity to review outstanding compensation claims and chart a way forward for the railway extension.
