The Federal Ministry of Transportation has pledged to intervene in compensation disputes involving residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, while considering a request by the Emir of Zazzau to name a proposed railway extension after his grandfather.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, FNSE, gave the assurances on Thursday during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli.

Adebiyi said he would personally look into the complaints of residents whose properties and interests had been affected by the railway project, promising to work towards a resolution of the outstanding issues.

He also said the Ministry would consider the Emir’s request to name the proposed railway extension in honour of his grandfather, in recognition of his historical contribution to the development of rail transportation in Zaria.

According to Adebiyi, compensation disputes are among the factors affecting the extension of the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.

He acknowledged concerns over the existing statutory framework governing compensation and said the Ministry would review the complaints and relevant records to determine the necessary steps towards resolving them.

The Permanent Secretary said he planned to meet the affected residents the following week, although a specific date had yet to be announced. He assured the Emir that the complaints would receive the Ministry’s attention.

Adebiyi thanked the monarch for receiving the delegation, stressing the importance of collaboration with traditional institutions and host communities in delivering railway projects.

In his remarks, the Emir welcomed the return of railway services to Zaria, describing it as a significant milestone that had revived the historic connection between rail transportation and the Zazzau Emirate.

Recalling his childhood, Bamalli 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 said the history of rail transportation in Zaria deserved greater recognition, particularly the contributions of those who initiated and facilitated its development.

The monarch appealed to the Federal Government to name the proposed extension after his grandfather, citing his role in establishing railway transportation in Kaduna State. He urged Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consideration.

Bamalli also called for sustained investment in rail transportation, saying improved connectivity would ease the difficulties associated with road travel. He said he had consistently used train services for trips to Abuja and encouraged greater use of rail as an alternative means of transportation.

However, the Emir urged the authorities to resolve outstanding land acquisition and compensation issues, stressing the need to give affected residents’ concerns due consideration.

The engagement highlights the importance of addressing host communities’ grievances as railway infrastructure projects progress, while also recognising the historical contributions associated with the development of rail transportation in the country.