By Nasir Dambatta
In an era where infrastructure projects across Africa often leave bitterness in their wake, the administration of Governor Uba Sani is scripting a different story in Kaduna State — one of compensation, consultation, and calculated compassion.
Across three years of accelerated road redevelopment, a total of 724 households have been compensated for properties affected by government projects. The latest phase saw 189 households in Rigasa (Igabi LGA) receive payment for structures impacted by the Makera, Lokoja, Ado Gwaram Roads and the Asmau Makarfi Spur. But Rigasa is only part of a broader pattern. Let us examine the breakdown of communities compensated ahead of the project commencement.
– Rigasa Township Roads (Igabi LGA) – 189 households
– Mahuta (Rabah Road project) – 120 households
– Magajiya to Albarkawa (Zaria) – 282 households
– Audi to Kako Route – 14 households
– Dogon Bauchi to Kakiyeyi Road – 86 households
– Kabala-Costain Corridor – 33 households
Put together, we have 724 households so far that were compensated ahead of project commencement.
Collectively, compensation disbursement has reportedly reached ₦2.85 billion, reinforcing the government’s stated policy of no demolition without fair restitution.
Across Africa, infrastructure expansion often triggers disputes. In cities like Nairobi and Accra, highway and rail projects have sparked protests due to forced evictions and delayed compensation. Similarly, redevelopment drives in Johannesburg have repeatedly raised questions about balancing urban renewal with social justice.
Furthermore, across Africa, from Kenya to Ghana, governments have grappled with compensation disputes tied to public works. Displacement escalates into crisis, mainly due to a lack of a clear-cut policy meant to harmonize progress with protection of livelihoods.
What makes Kaduna’s case noteworthy is the deliberate framing of development as a negotiated social contract — not a bulldozer policy.
By compensating 724 households across strategic corridors in Igabi, Zaria and other communities, the Kaduna government is projecting an image of development anchored in accountability.
In a political climate where public trust is fragile, ₦2.85 billion in structured compensation, for instance, goes beyond a fiscal figure. It is a signal that roads can be built without erasing livelihoods. It remains a signal that governance can blend ambition with empathy. A signal that in Kaduna, development is being pursued with a human face.
If sustained, this model could become a benchmark — not just for northern Nigeria — but for subnational governments across Africa seeking growth without without attracting citizens anger.
*Dambatta is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media*
