FG To Review Zaria Railway Compensation Disputes, Considers Naming Extension After Emir’s Ancestor
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has pledged to address outstanding compensation concerns affecting residents impacted by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, while considering a proposal to name a planned railway extension after an ancestor of the Emir of Zazzau.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, FNSE, gave the assurance on Thursday, October 22, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli.
The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Ministry, traditional institutions and host communities to facilitate railway development and resolve issues arising from ongoing infrastructure projects.
Adebiyi said the Ministry would consider the Emir’s request to name the proposed railway extension in honour of his grandfather, in recognition of his historical contributions to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria.
He also assured the monarch that he would personally intervene in the compensation disputes involving residents whose properties and interests had been affected by the railway construction project.
According to him, the Ministry would review the complaints, examine relevant records and work towards a resolution acceptable to the affected communities.
The Permanent Secretary 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.
He acknowledged the concerns surrounding the existing statutory framework for compensation, assuring the Emir that the Ministry would examine the issues and explore appropriate measures to address the grievances of affected residents.
Adebiyi further disclosed that he planned to meet with the affected residents the following week to review their complaints and determine the necessary steps towards resolving the outstanding matters.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to giving the concerns the required attention and ensuring that efforts towards resolving them were pursued promptly.
The Permanent Secretary thanked the Emir for receiving the delegation and commended his hospitality, stressing that the cooperation of traditional institutions remained essential to the successful implementation of railway infrastructure projects.
EMIR SEEKS HISTORICAL RECOGNITION
Earlier, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, expressed delight at the restoration of railway services to Zaria, describing the development as a significant milestone that had revived the historic connection between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.
Reflecting on his childhood memories of railway transportation, 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 emphasised that railway development in Zaria had deep historical roots and called for greater recognition of the individuals who initiated and facilitated its establishment.
Consequently, the Emir appealed to the Federal Government to consider naming the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his contributions to railway development in the area.
He urged Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that the proposal would receive favourable consideration.
The monarch also welcomed the return of train services, noting that improved rail connectivity would ease the challenges associated with road transportation and provide Nigerians with a more convenient travel option.
He disclosed that he had consistently used train services for journeys to Abuja, while urging the Federal Government to sustain investment in railway infrastructure as a viable alternative to road travel.
However, the Emir raised concerns over unresolved land acquisition and compensation matters, calling on the relevant authorities to address the grievances of affected residents and ensure that their interests received adequate consideration.
The engagement underscores the Federal Government’s efforts to advance railway infrastructure development while strengthening relationships with traditional institutions and addressing the concerns of communities affected by ongoing projects.
It also highlights the need to balance infrastructure expansion with fair compensation, meaningful community engagement and recognition of the historical contributions of host communities to Nigeria’s railway development.
Cover Photo Caption, L-R: The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation Engr Funsho Adebiyi (FNSE), His Royal Highness, Amb. Mal. Ahmeh Nuhu Bamalli CFR, and the Director, Rail Transport Services FMT, Engr. (Mrs.) Habiba Buhari.
