Kaduna compensates residents affected by road projects in three communities

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has paid compensation to residents in three communities affected by ongoing infrastructure projects within the last two weeks.

The governor flagged off the distribution of compensation cheques to affected residents in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, on Friday, saying his administration remains committed to placing the welfare and dignity of citizens at the centre of development projects.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr AbdulKadir Mu’azu Meyere, the governor said the compensation was for residents whose properties would be affected by the construction of the Hunkuyi–Unguwan Rimi–Basawa road corridor linking Kudan and Sabon Gari Local Government Areas.

He recalled that on July 2, the state government distributed over N2 billion in compensation to about 1,000 residents affected by the Rigasa–Tudun Wada flood and gully erosion control project.

On the same day, compensation was also paid to households affected by the construction of the 15-kilometre Ring Road from Danbushiya Junction to Danhonou 2 in Millennium City.

According to the governor, his administration has prioritised infrastructural development since assuming office, while ensuring that projects are implemented in a people-centred and inclusive manner.

“Our philosophy is that development must be people-centred, inclusive and guided by justice, compassion and fairness,” he said.

Sani described the Hunkuyi–Unguwan Rimi–Basawa Road as a strategic project that would improve connectivity between Kudan and Sabon Gari LGAs, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, boost commerce, improve access to social services and stimulate economic activities.

While acknowledging that some homes and businesses fall within the project’s right-of-way, the governor stressed that no citizen should suffer unjustly because of public infrastructure development.

“For this administration, development should never come at the expense of justice. We firmly believe that no citizen should bear an unfair burden in the pursuit of public infrastructure,” he said.

He disclosed that the government conducted a transparent assessment of all affected properties to ensure that eligible residents received fair and adequate compensation before work commenced.

The governor commended community leaders and officials of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA) for conducting the exercise professionally and transparently.

“The compensation being distributed is not an act of charity; it is the fulfilment of government’s legal and moral obligation to citizens whose properties are affected by this important project,” he added.

Sani said the exercise aligns with his administration’s policy of ensuring prompt compensation for persons affected by major infrastructure projects.

“Across Kaduna State, this administration has paid compensation to thousands of affected residents on several strategic road projects, with billions of naira disbursed in fulfilment of this commitment. This reflects our determination to balance infrastructural development with the protection of citizens’ rights and livelihoods,” he said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of KADRA, Dr Abdullahi Baba Ahmad, said the compensation exercise demonstrated the government’s commitment to fairness, transparency and respect for the rights of citizens.

He noted that all project-affected persons were being compensated in accordance with due process and established best practices before the commencement of construction activities.