By Jacinta Nwachukwu
The Federal Government has pledged to address compensation concerns of residents whose properties were affected by the ongoing Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Bamalli, at his palace.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adebiyi is leading a ministry delegation on an inspection tour of the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project.
He said the project was about 90 per cent complete, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work along the 203-kilometre corridor and the smoothness of the rail track.
Adebiyi pledged to personally intervene in compensation issues affecting residents whose properties were impacted by the project.
He assured the Emir that the ministry would examine the complaints and work towards an acceptable resolution.
According to him, compensation-related challenges are among the factors delaying the extension of the line from Jaji Station to the Kaduna-Abuja rail corridor.
He acknowledged concerns arising from the existing statutory compensation framework, adding that the ministry would review the issues to address the grievances.
Adebiyi said he planned to meet the affected residents next week to examine their complaints, review relevant records and determine appropriate steps towards resolving the outstanding issues.
He also said the government would consider a request to name a proposed railway extension after an ancestor of the Emir of Zazzau.
He explained that the visit was part of efforts to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions and host communities on railway development.
Adebiyi said the ministry would review the naming request in recognition of the historical contributions of the Emir’s grandfather to railway transportation in Zaria.
He thanked the Emir for receiving the delegation and commended his hospitality, stressing that collaboration with traditional institutions was essential to successful railway infrastructure development.
Earlier, the Emir expressed delight at the return of railway services to Zaria, describing it as a milestone that rekindled the historical relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.
Recalling his childhood, Bamalli said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time, describing the experience as memorable.
He said railway development 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 in railway development in Kaduna State.
He urged Adebiyi to convey the request to President Bola Tinubu for favourable consideration.
The Emir welcomed the return of train services, noting 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 rail transportation as a viable alternative for Nigerians. (NAN)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
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