Kaduna pays N7bn compensation to 4,865 property owners — Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, says his administration has paid about N7 billion in compensation to 4,865 households affected by road construction projects across the state’s three senatorial zones since he assumed office in May 2023.

Sani disclosed this on Saturday while flagging off compensation payments of approximately N2 billion to 865 households affected by the construction of township roads in Zaria, Giwa and Shika.

Speaking at Waziri Lawal Primary School, Angwan Iya, in Zaria, the governor said the payments were intended to help affected families relocate, rebuild and reorganise their livelihoods.

He said the compensation reflected his administration’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development did not impose avoidable hardship on residents whose properties were required for public projects.

“Since taking office on May 29, 2023, we have remained guided by the conviction that development must advance human dignity,” Sani said.

He added that the fairness with which infrastructure projects are executed determines whether citizens experience government as a source of reassurance and opportunity.

The governor said the reconstruction of 11 township roads in Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Government Areas, alongside the Giwa and Shika township roads, was aimed at improving connectivity and expanding economic activities.

According to him, the projects would ease movement, support commerce and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

Sani explained that homes, businesses and public utilities were identified within the designated rights-of-way as construction progressed, making compensation necessary before affected residents could relocate.

“Compensation fulfils an obligation owed to citizens whose property is required for public development,” he said, adding that infrastructure gains should not come at the expense of those directly affected.

He commended the owners of the 865 affected households along the Babban Dodo–Kofar Kuyan Bana, Rimin Tsiwa–Kofar Gayan, Tudun Wada, Giwa Township and Shika Township road projects for their patience and cooperation.

The governor acknowledged that relocation often comes with financial costs, uncertainty and disruption to established livelihoods.

He also praised surveyors, valuers, engineers and community representatives involved in assessing the affected properties.

Sani directed relevant utility agencies to accelerate the safe relocation of water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure to support the ongoing road projects.