The Federal Government has promised to meet residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, over outstanding compensation disputes blamed for delaying a proposed railway extension towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurance during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, promising to review complaints from affected residents and seek a resolution.
According to a statement issued on Friday, Adebiyi said he would meet the residents the following week to examine their complaints, review relevant records and determine the next steps.
He assured the monarch that the ministry would “examine the complaints and work towards an acceptable resolution.”
The permanent secretary acknowledged concerns over the existing legal framework governing compensation and promised that the ministry would review the grievances.
He said the government would “undertake the necessary review to address the grievances of affected residents.”
The compensation dispute is among the issues delaying the proposed extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.
Adebiyi also assured the Emir that the matter would receive the ministry’s attention, stressing that cooperation with traditional institutions was important to the successful execution of railway projects.
Emir seeks railway extension named after grandfather
Beyond the compensation dispute, Bamali appealed to the Federal Government to name the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his historical contribution to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria.
The monarch urged Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Tinubu for consideration.
Bamali said the return of railway services to Zaria had revived the historic relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.
Recalling his childhood experience, the Emir said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time, describing it as a memorable moment in the area’s railway history.
He argued that the contributions of those who initiated and facilitated railway development in Zaria deserved greater recognition.
The monarch also welcomed improved rail connectivity, saying it would reduce the difficulties associated with road travel.
He disclosed that he had regularly used train services for journeys to Abuja and called for sustained investment in rail transportation as an alternative means of travel.
However, he urged the authorities to address land acquisition and compensation concerns, stressing the need to consider the interests of residents affected by railway construction.
The ministry’s planned meeting with the affected residents is expected to provide an opportunity to examine the outstanding claims, although the statement did not specify the amount involved or when the compensation disputes would be resolved.
