FG Moves To Resolve Zaria Railway Compensation Disputes
The Federal Government has pledged to address outstanding compensation disputes involving residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, in a move aimed at facilitating the extension of the railway line towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions and host communities on railway development.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on Friday, Adebiyi promised to personally intervene in the complaints raised by residents whose properties and other interests had been affected by the railway construction project.
He said the ministry would review the grievances, examine relevant records and work towards an acceptable resolution of the outstanding compensation issues.
Adebiyi acknowledged that concerns surrounding the existing statutory framework for compensation had contributed to the challenges facing affected residents. He assured the monarch that the ministry would give the matter the necessary attention and take appropriate steps to address the complaints.
The permanent secretary also disclosed that he planned to meet with the affected residents the following week to hear their concerns, review the circumstances surrounding their claims and determine possible solutions.
The ministry identified compensation-related challenges as one of the factors delaying the proposed extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.
Beyond the compensation disputes, the visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on the historical significance of railway transportation in Zaria and a request to name the proposed railway extension after the grandfather of the Emir of Zazzau.
Adebiyi said the ministry would examine the request and consider recognising the contributions of the monarch’s grandfather to the establishment of railway transportation in the area.
Earlier, Bamali expressed delight over the return of railway services to Zaria, describing the development as a significant milestone that had renewed the historic connection between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.
The monarch recalled his childhood experience with railway transportation, noting that he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time.
He said the experience remained a memorable part of the area’s railway history and emphasised the need to recognise individuals who contributed to the establishment and development of railway services in the region.
Bamali subsequently appealed to the Federal Government to consider naming the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his historical role in railway development in Kaduna State.
He urged Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Tinubu, expressing hope that the proposal would receive favourable consideration.
The ministry reiterated the importance of sustained engagement with traditional rulers and host communities, noting that their cooperation was essential to the successful implementation of railway infrastructure projects.
