HURIWA hails Uba Sani’s rights-based compensation for land acquisition

By Femi Oyelola

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for adopting what it described as a humane and constitutional approach to land acquisition and compensation for citizens affected by government projects.

The group said the governor’s handling of compensation for the 15-kilometre Ring Road project reflects a governance model that balances infrastructure development with the constitutional rights and dignity of affected residents.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised Sani’s declaration that “public interest can never become a justification for injustice” and that development loses its value when it imposes hardship without compassion.

According to the group, the governor’s position should become the benchmark for all state governors exercising powers under the Land Use Act.

HURIWA noted that although the law empowers state governments to acquire land for overriding public interest, such authority must not be exercised arbitrarily or in a manner that impoverishes citizens through inadequate or delayed compensation.

The association maintained that public interest and citizens’ constitutional right to own property must be carefully balanced in every land acquisition process.

It recalled that compulsory acquisition of land has remained a major source of public complaints in Nigeria, alleging that under previous administrations, residents in states including Lagos, Anambra and Kaduna lost homes and businesses without adequate compensation.

The rights group, however, said Governor Sani had demonstrated that governments could execute major infrastructure projects without compromising justice, compassion and respect for citizens’ rights.

It also applauded the administration’s decision to slow aspects of the Ring Road project to allow for a transparent assessment of affected properties, describing the move as evidence of accountability and fairness.

HURIWA further praised the distribution of compensation cheques to 122 affected households along the Ring Road corridor, noting that the Kaduna State Government had disclosed that more than N3bn had been paid to households impacted by various infrastructure projects across the state.

“The distribution of compensation cheques and the openness about the process highlight a governance approach rooted in justice rather than expediency,” the statement said.

The association urged governors across the country to adopt the Kaduna model by ensuring transparent compensation mechanisms, engaging affected communities before compulsory land acquisition and paying prompt, fair and adequate compensation in line with constitutional provisions.

It added that governments earn greater public trust when development projects are implemented with fairness, empathy and strict adherence to the rule of law, stressing that sustainable development is only possible when citizens are treated as partners in progress rather than victims.

HURIWA concluded that Governor Sani’s approach offers a practical template for pursuing infrastructure development while safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting inclusive growth.