By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has commenced the distribution of compensation cheques worth approximately N2 billion to 865 households whose properties are affected by road construction projects in Zaria, Sabon Gari and Giwa Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Sani said his administration was committed to ensuring that infrastructure development respects the rights, dignity and livelihoods of affected residents.
The governor said since assuming office on May 29, 2023, his administration had maintained that development must not come at the expense of the welfare and legitimate interests of citizens.
According to him, the township road projects, including the reconstruction of an 11-kilometre road in Zaria and Sabon Gari, as well as the Giwa and Shika-Tashan Gayan roads, are designed to improve connectivity, stimulate commercial activities and enhance access to essential services.
He noted that the projects would make transportation easier, strengthen economic activities and improve residents’ access to schools, healthcare facilities and other public amenities.
However, Sani explained that the construction work affected some residential buildings, businesses and public utilities located within the designated rights-of-way.
He said the government temporarily suspended construction activities to allow for a comprehensive, transparent and equitable assessment of the affected properties and utility infrastructure.
“Our position remains unequivocal: no citizen should be dispossessed without fair and adequate compensation,” the governor said.
He stressed that while infrastructure development was necessary for public progress, the government also had a responsibility to protect private property rights and provide appropriate compensation where land and buildings were required for public projects.
Sani commended the 865 affected households in Babandogo, Kwarbai Quarters, Rimin Gado, Kofar Gayan, Tudun Wada, Giwa Township and Shika Township for their patience and cooperation throughout the process.
He acknowledged that relocation could impose financial burdens and disrupt residents’ livelihoods, adding that the compensation was intended to assist affected families in securing accommodation and rebuilding their sources of income.
The governor disclosed that his administration had paid approximately N7 billion in compensation to about 4,865 households across Kaduna State’s three senatorial districts since May 2023.
He said the payments reflected his government’s commitment to fairness, accountability and the protection of citizens’ legitimate interests across the state.
Sani urged beneficiaries to complete the required verification procedures and keep their compensation documents for future reference.
He also called on government officials responsible for the exercise to maintain accurate records, communicate clearly with beneficiaries and handle the process with integrity and accountability.
On the relocation of public utilities, the governor said relevant agencies had been directed to accelerate the safe relocation of water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure to enable construction work to resume without unnecessary delays.
He charged contractors handling the projects to maintain high construction standards, observe safety requirements and fulfil their contractual obligations.
The governor also urged traditional rulers and community leaders to continue supporting the projects by promoting cooperation between residents, contractors and government officials.
He advised beneficiaries to manage their compensation funds prudently, particularly by prioritising housing and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
“Our responsibility is to build roads while strengthening trust, ensuring that progress connects communities to opportunity and respects the people whose sacrifices make it possible,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fair compensation and accountability.
Baba Ahmed assured residents that the agency would ensure proper verification of beneficiaries and work towards the timely completion of the road projects once the compensation and relocation processes had been concluded.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
