Kano-Niger Republic Railway Project: Communities Demand Compensation for 3,252 Displaced Persons

Kano-Niger Republic Railway Project: Communities Demand Compensation for 3,252 Displaced Persons

The $1.96 billion Kano-Niger Republic Railway project has resumed full-scale construction despite diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic. The strained relationship follows accusations from the Nigerien military junta, alleging that the Bola Tinubu-led administration was attempting to destabilize the country.

Approved by the Federal Executive Council in September 2020, the 283.75-kilometer standard gauge railway line will connect Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states in Nigeria with Maradi in Niger Republic. Partly funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the railway will pass through 122 communities across 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria and 11 communities in Niger.

Despite the project’s significance in enhancing trade and connectivity between both nations, thousands of affected residents have raised concerns about inadequate or delayed compensation for their lost properties and farmlands. Findings reveal that three years after construction commenced, 3,252 displaced persons have yet to receive their compensation.

Railway Project: Displaced Residents Lament Unpaid and Inadequate Compensation

A settlement audit report by Windforce Safeguards Limited, the Railway project consultant, confirms that many farmers and homeowners have been forced to vacate their lands without proper compensation. Out of the N20.325 billion allocated for asset valuation, N12.307 billion has been disbursed to 16,032 of the 19,284 enumerated persons. However, about 5,531 affected individuals remain dissatisfied with the amount received.

Several communities, including Dalli, Yammawar Wanzamai, Fitare, Wailare, and Firji in Kano State, have decried the compensation process, citing delays and grossly insufficient payments. Farmers like Babangida Idris from Garo in Mashi LGA, Katsina State, lamented that despite multiple assurances, he and seven others have not received a single kobo. Similarly, Alhaji Nuhu Idi from Dokawa village expressed dissatisfaction, revealing that he was short-changed in the payout process.

In Jigawa State, Mohammad Danladi of Yanzaki village stated that while he received compensation for his farmland, additional lands acquired for an overhead bridge were yet to be compensated. This issue resonates with many other affected individuals who claim their properties were undervalued, leading to significant financial losses.

Audit Report Exposes Valuation Discrepancies

A final settlement audit conducted in September 2024 highlighted key discrepancies in the compensation process, raising concerns about the methodology used for asset valuation. The report criticized the adoption of the depreciation valuation method, which significantly reduced the payout amounts, contrary to the Resettlement Action Plan and AfDB policy.

The audit noted that AfDB policy mandates compensation at full replacement cost, ensuring displaced individuals receive property of equal or higher value. However, many victims were unaware of how their assets were valued, with 78% stating they only learned about their compensation amount at the time of disbursement. Furthermore, there were allegations of diversion and reallocation of lands after compensation had already been paid, leaving new displaced persons without financial settlements.

The audit team also found that affected assets were not geo-referenced, raising transparency concerns. Many residents did not sign indemnity certificates, with village heads being the sole signatories on behalf of entire communities. It further pointed out that communal assets, such as cemeteries in Chedi Ingawa, Katsuhu, Chadi, and Yamel, had not been compensated.

Railway project:Hopes for Economic Growth Despite Compensation Issues

Despite these concerns, many communities along the railway corridor remain optimistic about the economic benefits the project could bring once completed in 2026. Residents of Kwanar Dangora, Dawanau, Dundubus, and Sabon Garin Dan Malam have expressed excitement over the project’s progress, hoping it will create new business opportunities and improve transportation networks.

Malam Musa from Dundubus stated that the railway could transform the region by attracting more businesses and investors. Similarly, Nura Garba, a trader in Sabon Garin Dan Malam, believes the railway project will enhance market access and boost trade. Alhaji Abdullahi Shuwarin, a community leader in Kiyawa LGA, emphasized that connectivity to major cities would facilitate economic growth and job creation.

Farmers like Malam Adamu Aminu from Andaza village expect reduced transportation costs for agricultural produce, potentially increasing their profits. While the compensation issues remain unresolved, affected residents continue to call on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to ensure fair settlements before the project’s completion.

With increasing scrutiny from advocacy groups and affected individuals, the pressure is mounting on authorities to address these compensation gaps and uphold transparency in the resettlement process. The success of the Kano-Niger; railway project will ultimately depend on how well the government balances economic development with the welfare of displaced communities.


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