Nigeria: Railway Project - Govt Yet to Compensate Us 4 Months After Ruling - Kano Landowners

What the report says

Landowners in Kuyan ta Inna community in Kano state say the Federal Ministry of Transportation has still not compensated them for land acquired for a railway project, despite two court rulings in their favor, according to Daily Trust via AllAfrica. The dispute centers on plots taken for construction work on disputed land, with residents saying they have waited months after the latest judgment without payment or meaningful contact from the ministry.

The report says a Kano High Court first halted the railway work in April last year and ordered the federal government to compensate affected residents before continuing. Another court later upheld that position and dismissed the defendants’ requests, reinforcing the view that work should not proceed until the landowners are settled. Community representatives say the ministry has not followed through.

Speaking for the landowners, Isah Jibril Kaci Kasa said the group considers the situation unfair, especially because the state governor offered alternative plots as a goodwill gesture while the compensation obligation remains with the federal ministry. He also alleged that residents were pressured to hand over original documents under military supervision, which helped drive the court action.

The landowners say they will not accept replacement plots until compensation is paid. Daily Trust also reported that some residents fear the delay is worsening their losses as land values rise. The ministry’s press director said he was not aware of the latest details but would look into the matter.