Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani says his administration has paid approximately ₦7 billion in compensation to 4,865 households affected by road construction projects across the state’s three senatorial zones since he assumed office in May 2023.
The governor disclosed this on Saturday during the flag-off of compensation payments totalling approximately ₦2 billion to 865 households affected by the construction of township roads in Zaria, Giwa and Shika.
The event took place at Waziri Lawal Primary School, Angwan Iya, in Zaria.
Sani said his administration had prioritised the welfare of residents whose properties were affected by infrastructure projects over the past three and a half years.
“Since taking office on May 29, 2023, we have remained guided by the conviction that development must advance human dignity,” the governor said.
He added that infrastructure development must be accompanied by fairness and consideration for the people directly affected by construction activities.
“Infrastructure gives physical expression to progress, but the fairness with which it is delivered determines whether citizens experience government as a source of reassurance and opportunity,” he said.
₦2bn Set Aside For 865 Affected Households
The latest compensation exercise covers 865 households affected by road construction across several communities, including Babban Dodo to Kofar Kuyan Bana, Rimin Tsiwa to Kofar Gayan, Tudun Wada, Giwa Township and Shika Township.
According to the governor, the payments are intended to help affected families relocate, rebuild and reorganise their livelihoods.
“Compensation fulfils an obligation owed to citizens whose property is required for public development. Its purpose is to ensure that the benefits of improved infrastructure are not secured through avoidable hardship for those directly affected,” he said.
Sani commended the affected property owners for their patience and cooperation throughout the process.
He acknowledged that relocation could bring uncertainty, additional expenses and disruption to established livelihoods and familiar surroundings.
The governor said the willingness of residents to engage constructively had helped the government pursue the projects while considering their impact on affected communities.
Road Projects To Improve Connectivity
Sani said the reconstruction of 11 township roads within Zaria and Sabon Gari local government areas, alongside the Giwa and Shika township roads, was intended to improve connectivity and expand economic activities.
He noted that the projects would ease movement, support commerce and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
According to him, the long-term benefits of the investments would depend on the opportunities they create and their contribution to residents’ quality of life.
The governor explained that the government identified homes, businesses and public utilities within designated road rights-of-way as construction progressed.
He said the administration consequently considered compensation necessary to address the effects of the projects on residents.
Government Directs Relocation Of Public Utilities
Sani also commended the surveyors, valuers, engineers and community representatives who contributed to the assessment of affected properties.
He directed relevant utility agencies to expedite the safe relocation of water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure to support the continuation of construction work.
The administration said its compensation programme was designed to ensure that residents whose properties were required for public infrastructure received payments to support their relocation and recovery.
The latest exercise brings the number of households reportedly compensated by the Kaduna State Government to approximately 4,865, with total payments estimated at ₦7 billion across the state’s three senatorial zones since May 2023.
