The Kano State High Court has issued a restraining order against the Federal Government, halting the continuation of the ongoing railway project from Kano to Daura and onward to Niger Republic, on land belonging to residents of the Kuyan Ta Inna community.
However, the court, presided over by Justice Usman Na Abba, ruled that any such construction must follow due legal process, including consultation with landowners and the provision of adequate compensation.
It will be recalled that the injunction came in response to a suit filed by the Kano Property Agent Development Association (KAFADA), which represents affected landowners in the area.
Accordingly, the suit names the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Transport, and the compensation consultant as defendants, accusing them of attempting to issue what it describes as “incommensurable” compensation to property owners.
However, the Counsel to the plaintiffs, Barrister Usman Baito, said that the court’s ruling affirms that moving forward with the railway project on community land without following appropriate legal procedures would constitute a breach of the Nigerian Constitution.
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Baito further stated that the court emphasized the necessity of thorough consultation, transparency, and equitable compensation before any land can be lawfully acquired for such a major project.
He therefore added, “The judgment reinforces the rights of the Kuyan Ta Inna residents,” Baito said. “Any attempt to sidestep these procedures is not only unlawful but a direct violation of the constitutional rights of the people.”
The Chairman of KAFADA, Isa Jibrin Isa, acknowledged the community’s willingness to cooperate with the government.
According to him, “The property owners are not opposed to the railway development but are insisting that all actions must be carried out within the bounds of the law.”
He then disclosed, “We are open to dialogue and ready to sign a compensation agreement,” Isa said, “but only if it is based on fair valuation and in line with legal provisions. Our people deserve justice, not exploitation.”
All efforts made to get the reaction of the representatives of the Federal Government or the project contractor were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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