KADUNA, Nigeria — Governor Uba Sani has commenced the payment of compensation to residents affected by road construction projects in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to people-centred development.
Speaking at the presentation of compensation cheques on Friday, Sani, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr AbdulKadir Mu’azu Meyere, said the compensation is for residents whose properties fall within the right-of-way of the Hunkuyi–Unguwan Rimi–Basawa road, which links Kudan and Sabon Gari LGAs. The governor emphasised that his administration places the welfare and dignity of citizens at the centre of its infrastructure projects.
The exercise comes weeks after the governor approved over N2 billion in compensation for about 1,000 residents whose homes will be affected by the Rigasa-Tudun Wada flood and gully erosion control project. The state government also presented compensation cheques to households affected by the construction of the 15-kilometre Ring Road from Danbushiya Junction to Danhonu 2 in Millennium City.
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, enhance access to social services, and stimulate economic activities. He said the government carried out a transparent assessment of affected properties to ensure all eligible residents receive fair compensation.
“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,” Sani said. He added that the compensation exercise reflects the government’s legal and moral obligation to citizens whose properties are affected by public projects.
The governor noted that the administration has paid compensation running into billions of naira to thousands of residents affected by several strategic road projects across Kaduna. He assured that compensation processes would remain transparent, verifiable, equitable and timely.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Ahmad, Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), said the compensation exercise demonstrates the governor’s commitment to implementing infrastructure projects while protecting the rights of affected residents. He added that all project-affected persons are being compensated in line with due process and established best practices before construction begins.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing development with justice, compassion and integrity, maintaining that meaningful progress must protect citizens’ rights and ensure that no one is left behind.
