JUST IN: Zaria Railway: Emir Urges FG to Honour Ancestor, Promises Compensation for Affected Residents
By OGB Joseph, Abuja
The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Abdulkareem Yakasai, has appealed to the Federal Government to honour the historical contributions of his grandfather to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria, while also urging authorities to address the concerns of residents affected by railway construction projects.
The Emir made the appeal when a delegation led by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olu Funso Adebiyi, FNSE, visited his palace in Zaria.
He expressed delight over the return of railway services to the area, describing the development as a significant moment that rekindles memories of the railway’s historical connection with the Zazzau Emirate.
Recalling his childhood experience with the railway, the Emir said he travelled 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 noted that the railway’s development in Zaria had a historical foundation that deserved greater recognition, particularly the contributions of individuals who initiated and facilitated the project.
The monarch, however, expressed displeasure that those who played significant roles in bringing the railway to the area had not received adequate recognition.
He specifically appealed to the ministry to consider naming a proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his contribution to the project’s inception.
“We are very happy that the railway is here again,” the Emir said, noting that improved railway connectivity would significantly reduce the difficulties associated with travelling by road.
He disclosed that he had consistently patronised train services for his journeys to Abuja, stressing the importance of sustaining and expanding railway transportation as a viable alternative for Nigerians.
The Emir urged the Permanent Secretary to convey his request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing hope that the Federal Government would take the matter into consideration.
He also raised concerns about residents of a settlement affected by the railway project, calling for appropriate attention to their grievances.
Responding, Adebiyi assured the Emir that the ministry would review the proposal for the railway extension to accommodate the request to name it after the monarch’s grandfather.
He also pledged to personally intervene in the compensation issues affecting residents whose properties or interests had been impacted by the railway construction.
According to him, compensation-related challenges were among the factors delaying the extension of the railway line from the Yadji Station towards the Kano-Abuja rail corridor.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that the existing statutory framework governing compensation had generated concerns among affected residents, adding that the ministry would work towards resolving the matter.
He said he planned to meet with the affected residents the following week to review their complaints, examine the relevant records and identify an acceptable way forward.
Adebiyi assured the Emir that the ministry would undertake the necessary due diligence and ensure that the compensation concerns were addressed as quickly as possible.
He thanked the monarch for receiving the delegation and commended his hospitality, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions on railway development and related community concerns.
The Permanent Secretary’s assurances came amid the Federal Government’s efforts to advance railway infrastructure and improve connectivity, with the Emirate seeking both recognition of its historical contributions and a fair resolution of issues arising from ongoing construction.
The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government, traditional institutions and host communities in delivering infrastructure projects while preserving historical legacies and addressing the concerns of affected residents.
Leave a Comment