Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has reaffirmed that no resident of the state will lose property to government projects without receiving fair and adequate compensation.
Governor Sani gave the assurance over the weekend while presenting compensation cheques to 122 households affected by the 15-kilometre Ring Road project stretching from Danbushiya Junction to Danhono II in Millennium City.
He said although infrastructure development is essential, it must not come at the expense of justice and the rights of citizens.
“Public interest can never become a justification for injustice. Development cannot be meaningful if it imposes hardship without compassion or progress without fairness,” he said.
Uba Sani recalled that after the groundbreaking ceremony, construction progressed until it became clear that some homes and other structures were located within the project’s right-of-way.
According to him, the situation presented not only an engineering challenge but also a moral responsibility.
“The question before us was not simply how to advance construction, but how to balance the public interest with the rights and dignity of individual citizens,” he said.
The governor explained that his administration deliberately slowed parts of the construction to allow for a comprehensive, transparent and equitable assessment of all affected properties and public utilities.
He described the payment of compensation as an act of justice rather than charity, saying it was intended to enable beneficiaries relocate, rebuild and continue their lives with dignity.
“I recognise that change often comes with disruption and uncertainty. I understand the emotional and practical burden that relocation may impose on families,” he said, while thanking the affected residents for their patience and cooperation.
Uba Sani said his administration had consistently compensated citizens affected by public projects since assuming office.
He listed previous beneficiaries to include about 189 households under the Rigasa Township Roads Project, 120 households in Mahuta on the Rabah Road Project, 282 households on the Magajiya–Albarkawa road in Zaria, 14 households on the Audi–Kako road, 86 households on the Dogon Bauchi–Kakiyeyi road and 33 households along the Kabala Costain corridor.
According to him, the state government has so far paid more than N3 billion as compensation to residents affected by various infrastructure projects across the state.
He assured that compensation would continue to be transparent, verifiable, equitable and prompt.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to pursuing development with justice, compassion and integrity.
“Progress loses its moral purpose if it leaves citizens behind. In implementing our transformation agenda, fairness and empathy will remain our guiding principles,” he said.
