FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSURES ZARIA RESIDENTS OF RESOLUTION IN KADUNA-KANO RAIL LINE COMPENSATION DISPUTE

Ministry of Transportation pledges direct engagement with affected property owners and traditional institutions to resolve valuation grievances along critical rail corridor

The Federal Government has pledged to intervene directly in the ongoing property compensation disputes affecting residents of Zaria, Kaduna State, whose structures and lands were impacted by the construction of the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project.

The assurance was given during a stakeholder engagement visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, by high-ranking officials of the Federal Ministry of Transportation led by Permanent Secretary Mr. Adebiyi.

Addressing traditional leaders and community representatives, Mr. Adebiyi acknowledged that outstanding compensation challenges and statutory valuation framework concerns have contributed to operational delays along the Jaji Station to Kaduna-Abuja rail line link. He assured community members that the ministry will review existing records, examine specific grievances, and work toward a fair and mutually acceptable financial resolution.

The ministry announced plans to hold formal direct meetings with affected property owners in Zaria in the coming week to audit valuation claims and streamline disbursements. Additionally, federal officials noted that the government is favorably considering a request to name a proposed railway extension station after an ancestor of the Zazzau Emirate in honor of the royal family’s historical contributions to national transportation development.