Gov Sani Pledges No Demolition Without Compensation, Disburses ₦2.85bn to Kaduna Residents
Governor Uba Sani Sets New Policy Standard for Kaduna Infrastructure Projects
Governor Uba Sani has officially declared that his administration will not carry out any structural demolitions or dispossess citizens of their property without the payment of fair and adequate compensation. Speaking at a flag-off ceremony in Rigasa on Wednesday, the Governor emphasised that the state would no longer invoke the doctrine of "overriding public interest" as a pretext to displace residents without restitution.
The event marked the distribution of compensation cheques to 189 households directly affected by the ongoing Rigasa township road projects. This move is part of a broader policy shift aimed at balancing rapid urban development with the protection of private property rights.
Prioritising Human Dignity in Infrastructure
The road projects in question which include the Makera, Lokoja, and Ado Gwaram roads, alongside the Asmau Makarfi Spur saw their groundbreaking in September 2025. While engineering progress has been steady, with completed drainage systems and advanced earthworks, the Governor noted that the "designated right-of-way" encroached upon several homes and businesses.
Rather than proceeding with forced evictions, Governor Sani directed a temporary slowdown of construction to allow for a transparent assessment.
"We will not cloak expediency in the language of 'Overriding Public Interest.' Public interest must never eclipse private rights without restitution," Governor Sani stated. "Roads and bridges may define the physical landscape of a state, but it is fairness and empathy that define its moral landscape."
₦2.85 Billion Disbursed Across the State
The Governor revealed that the Rigasa payout is not an isolated event but part of a consistent statewide policy. To date, the Kaduna State Government has disbursed approximately ₦2.85 billion in compensation across various corridors.
A Policy of "Justice Fulfilled"
The administration’s stance represents a departure from previous urban renewal strategies that were often criticised for lack of transparency and sudden displacements. Governor Sani clarified that these payments are "not charity, but justice fulfilled," designed to enable beneficiaries to relocate or rebuild their lives with dignity.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to the residents of Rigasa and other affected areas for their patience, reaffirming that the state remains committed to its 2026 budget goals of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment.
As Kaduna continues its aggressive infrastructure expansion under the ₦985.9 billion 2026 budget, the Sani administration appears intent on cementing a legacy of "compassionate governance." By integrating compensation directly into the project lifecycle, the government aims to mitigate the social costs of modernisation while maintaining public support for urban transformation.
