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The Federal government of Nigeria, says the ongoing Kaduna- Kano railway project, has reached 90% completion and ready for commissioning.
The FG through the Ministry of Transportation pledged to intervene in compensation-related concerns affecting residents impacted by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The government is also considering a request to name a proposed railway extension after an ancestor of the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurances Thursday, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli part of efforts to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions and host communities on railway development.
Adebiyi disclosed that the Ministry would review the request to name the proposed railway extension in recognition of the historical contributions of the Emir’s grandfather to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria.
He also pledged to personally intervene in the compensation issues affecting residents whose properties and interests had been impacted by the railway construction project, assuring the monarch that the Ministry would examine the complaints and work towards an acceptable resolution.
According to the Permanent Secretary, compensation-related challenges are among the factors delaying the extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.
He acknowledged concerns arising from the existing statutory framework governing compensation and said the ministry would undertake the necessary review to address the grievances of affected residents.
Adebiyi further disclosed that he planned to meet with the affected residents the following week to examine their complaints, review relevant records and determine appropriate steps towards resolving the outstanding issues, while assuring the Emir that the ministry would give the matter the required attention and work to ensure that the compensation concerns were addressed as promptly as possible.
The Permanent Secretary thanked the monarch for receiving the delegation and commended his hospitality, noting that sustained collaboration with traditional institutions was essential to the successful implementation of railway infrastructure projects.
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau Amb. Nuhu Ahmad Bamali expressed delight at the return of railway services to Zaria, describing the development as a significant milestone that rekindled the historical relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.
Recalling his childhood experience with the railway, the monarch said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time, describing the experience as a memorable part of the area’s railway history.
He stressed that the development of railway transportation in Zaria had historical roots that deserved greater recognition, particularly the contributions of individuals who initiated and facilitated the project.
The Emir consequently appealed to the Federal Government to consider naming the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his role in railway establishment in Kaduna State.
He urged the Permanent Secretary to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing hope that the government would give it favourable consideration.
He urged the Permanent Secretary to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing hope that the government would give it favourable consideration.
The monarch, who welcomed the return of train services, also noted that improved rail connectivity would ease the difficulties associated with road travel.
He disclosed that he had consistently used train services for trips to Abuja and called for sustained investment in railway transportation as a viable alternative for Nigerians.
However, he raised concerns about the settlement of land acquisition issues, urging the authorities to address their grievances and ensure that their interests receive appropriate consideration.
The engagement highlights the Federal Government’s efforts to advance railway infrastructure while addressing community concerns and strengthening relations with traditional institutions in areas affected by ongoing projects.
It also underscores the importance of balancing infrastructure development with fair compensation for affected residents and recognition of the historical contributions of host communities to the growth of railway transportation in Nigeria.
The engagement highlights the Federal Government’s efforts to advance railway infrastructure while addressing community concerns and strengthening relations with traditional institutions in areas affected by ongoing projects.
It also underscores the importance of balancing infrastructure development with fair compensation for affected residents and recognition of the historical contributions of host communities to the growth of railway transportation in Nigeria.
