The Federal Government has pledged to intervene in compensation disputes involving residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, while considering a request to name a proposed railway extension after the grandfather of the Emir of Zazzau.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurances on Friday following a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir, Ahmad Bamali.
Adebiyi said the ministry would review the monarch’s request to name the proposed railway extension in recognition of his grandfather’s historical contributions to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria.
He also promised to personally intervene in compensation disputes involving residents whose properties and interests had been affected by the construction project.
According to a statement, Adebiyi assured the monarch that the ministry would “examine the complaints and work towards an acceptable resolution.”
The ministry identified compensation-related challenges as one of the factors delaying the extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.
Acknowledging concerns over the existing statutory framework governing compensation, the permanent secretary said the ministry would “undertake the necessary review to address the grievances of affected residents.”
He disclosed plans to meet the affected residents the following week to examine their complaints, review relevant records and determine appropriate steps towards resolving the outstanding issues.
Adebiyi further assured the Emir that the ministry would “give the matter the required attention” and work towards addressing the compensation concerns as promptly as possible.
He thanked Bamali 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 welcomed 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, Bamali said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time. He described the experience as “a memorable part of the area’s railway history.”
The monarch said railway development in Zaria had historical roots that deserved greater recognition, particularly the contributions of those who initiated and facilitated the project.
He appealed to the Federal Government to consider naming the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his role in establishing railway transportation in Zaria.
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Bamali 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 Emir also said improved rail connectivity would ease the difficulties associated with road travel. He disclosed that he had consistently used train services for journeys to Abuja and called for sustained investment in railway transportation as a viable alternative for Nigerians.
However, he raised concerns over the settlement of land acquisition issues, urging the authorities to address the grievances of affected residents and ensure that their interests received appropriate consideration.
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