FG PROMISES INTERVENTION IN ZARIA RAILWAY COMPENSATION DISPUTE

The Federal Government has promised to address compensation complaints from residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali.

According to a statement released on Friday, Adebiyi pledged to personally examine the complaints and work towards a resolution acceptable to those involved.

The ministry said compensation disputes were among the challenges delaying the proposed railway extension from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.

Adebiyi acknowledged concerns about the existing rules governing compensation and said the ministry would review the issues raised by affected residents.

He also disclosed plans to meet with them the following week to hear their grievances, examine relevant records and determine the next steps.

The permanent secretary assured the Emir that the matter would receive the attention it deserved, with efforts focused on resolving the outstanding concerns as promptly as possible.

During the visit, Adebiyi also said the ministry would consider a request to name the proposed railway extension after the Emir’s grandfather, in recognition of his historical contributions to railway transportation in Zaria.

He thanked the monarch for receiving the delegation and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation with traditional institutions and host communities in delivering railway projects.

The promised intervention offers affected residents an opportunity to present their concerns directly to the ministry as work continues towards resolving the dispute.