The Federal Government has pledged to intervene in compensation disputes involving residents affected by railway construction in Zaria, Kaduna State, in a move aimed at addressing community grievances and facilitating further railway development.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, gave the assurance during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the government, traditional institutions and communities hosting railway infrastructure.

Adebiyi said the ministry would examine complaints from residents whose properties and interests had been affected by the construction project and work towards an acceptable resolution.

He acknowledged that compensation-related challenges had contributed to delays in extending the railway line from Jadji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.

The permanent secretary also recognised concerns arising from the existing legal framework governing compensation and pledged to review the grievances raised by affected residents.

He disclosed plans to meet with the residents the following week to examine their complaints, review relevant records and determine appropriate measures for resolving the outstanding issues.

Adebiyi assured the Emir that the ministry would give the matter the necessary attention, stressing the importance of sustained engagement with traditional institutions in delivering railway infrastructure projects.

During the visit, Bamali welcomed the return of railway services to Zaria, describing it as an important development that restored the area's historic connection with rail transportation.

Recalling his childhood, the monarch 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 development of railway transportation in Zaria had historical significance and called for greater recognition of the individuals who contributed to its establishment.

The Emir consequently appealed to the Federal Government to name the proposed railway extension after his grandfather, citing his role in the establishment of railway transportation in the area.

He asked Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Tinubu, expressing hope that the proposal would receive favourable consideration.

Bamali also highlighted the benefits of improved rail connectivity, noting that train services could ease the difficulties associated with road travel. He disclosed that he had regularly used rail transportation for journeys to Abuja and called for sustained investment in the sector.

However, the monarch urged the authorities to resolve outstanding land acquisition and compensation issues, stressing that the interests of affected residents should receive appropriate consideration.

The proposed extension towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor is expected to improve connectivity, while resolving compensation disputes remains an important step in addressing concerns among communities affected by the project.

The ministry's planned engagement with residents is expected to provide an opportunity to review individual complaints and identify possible solutions to the outstanding disputes.