By Idibia Udeh, Kaduna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for what it described as a rights-based approach to land acquisition and compensation, urging other state governors to adopt similar practices.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised the governor’s recent compensation of households affected by the 15-kilometre Ring Road project from Danbushiya Junction to Danhono II Junction in Millennium City.The group said the compensation exercise demonstrated that infrastructure development can be pursued while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights and economic interests.
HURIWA also welcomed the governor’s position that public interest should not override fairness in implementing development projects. It said state governments should ensure that compulsory land acquisition is accompanied by prompt, adequate and equitable compensation in line with constitutional provisions.
According to the organisation, disputes over compulsory land acquisition have remained a major governance challenge in several states, with affected residents in some cases alleging inadequate compensation.
The group further commended the Kaduna State Government’s decision to assess affected properties before proceeding with compensation and noted the administration’s disclosure that more than ₦3 billion has been paid to households impacted by various infrastructure projects.
HURIWA called on governors across the country to institutionalise transparent compensation processes, engage affected communities before land acquisition, and uphold the principles of fairness, accountability and the rule of law in executing public projects.
