The federal government has pledged to address compensation concerns of residents whose properties were affected by the ongoing Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project in Zaria, Kaduna.

The transport ministry’s permanent secretary, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli, at his palace.

Mr Adebiyi is leading a ministry delegation on an inspection tour of the Kaduna-Kano standard gauge railway project. He said the project was about 90 per cent complete, expressing satisfaction with the quality of work along the 203-kilometre corridor and the smoothness of the rail track.

Mr Adebiyi pledged to personally intervene in compensation issues affecting residents whose properties the project impacted. He assured the emir that the ministry would examine the complaints and work towards an acceptable resolution.

According to him, compensation-related challenges are among the factors delaying the extension of the line from Jaji Station to the Kaduna-Abuja rail corridor. He acknowledged concerns arising from the existing statutory compensation framework, adding that the ministry would review the issues to address the grievances.

Mr Adebiyi said he planned to meet the affected residents next week to examine their complaints, review relevant records, and determine appropriate steps to resolve the outstanding issues. He also said the government would consider a request to name a proposed railway extension after an ancestor of the Emir of Zazzau.

He explained that the visit was part of efforts to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions and host communities on railway development.

Mr Adebiyi said the ministry would review the naming request in recognition of the Emir’s grandfather’s historical contributions to railway transportation in Zaria.

(NAN)