FG to Review Zaria Compensation Complaints, Mulls Naming Rail Extension After Emir’s Ancestor
The Federal Government has pledged to review compensation complaints by residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, and is considering a request to name a proposed railway extension after an ancestor of the Emir of Zazzau.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurances on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmad Bamali.
Adebiyi said the Ministry would examine the request to name the proposed extension in recognition of the historical contributions of the Emir’s grandfather to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria.
He added that the Ministry would also intervene in compensation issues affecting residents whose properties were impacted by the rail project.
According to him, unresolved compensation claims are among the factors delaying the extension of the railway line from Jaji Station towards the Kano-Abuja corridor.
Adebiyi acknowledged concerns arising from the existing statutory framework on compensation and said the Ministry would undertake a review to address the grievances.
He disclosed that he plans to meet with affected residents next week to examine their complaints and determine appropriate steps towards resolving them, according to a statement by Kate Nwachuku, the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations
The Permanent Secretary thanked the monarch for receiving the delegation and stressed the need for sustained collaboration with traditional institutions for successful implementation of rail projects.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau expressed delight at the return of railway services to Zaria, describing it as a significant milestone that rekindled the historical relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.
Recalling his childhood experience, the monarch said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time.
He said the development of railway transportation in Zaria had historical roots that deserved greater recognition, particularly the contributions of individuals who facilitated the project.
The Emir appealed to the Federal Government to name the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his role, urging the Permanent Secretary to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Tinubu.
He also raised concerns over settlement of land acquisition issues and urged authorities to ensure affected residents receive appropriate consideration.
The Emir noted that improved rail connectivity would ease difficulties associated with road travel, adding that he consistently uses train services for trips to Abuja.
