The Federal Government has pledged to meet residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, to resolve outstanding compensation disputes blamed for delaying the extension of the rail line towards the Kano–Abuja corridor.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, according to a statement issued on Friday.
Adebiyi said he would meet with affected residents the following week to examine their complaints, review relevant records and determine appropriate steps towards resolving the disputes.
He acknowledged the grievances arising from the statutory framework governing compensation and assured the monarch that the ministry would review the complaints and work towards an acceptable resolution.
The ministry identified compensation-related challenges as among the factors delaying the extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.
Adebiyi said the government would give the matter the necessary attention to ensure that the concerns of affected residents were addressed promptly.
He also disclosed that the ministry would consider a request to name the proposed railway extension after the Emir’s grandfather in recognition of his historical contributions to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria.
The permanent secretary said the request would be reviewed and conveyed to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
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Earlier, Bamali welcomed the return of railway services to Zaria, describing it as a significant milestone that revived the historic relationship between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.
The monarch recalled travelling 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 said the development of railway transportation in Zaria had historical roots that deserved recognition, particularly the contributions of those who initiated and facilitated its establishment.
Bamali appealed to the Federal Government to name the proposed railway extension after his grandfather, urging Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed hope that the government would give the request favourable consideration.
Adebiyi commended the Emir for his hospitality, stressing that sustained collaboration with traditional institutions and host communities was essential to the successful implementation of railway infrastructure projects.
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