The Kaduna State government has set aside N1.4 billion to compensate 891 households whose homes and farmlands will be affected by civil works designed to restore degraded lands across the state.
The intervention, under the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme, targets erosion-prone areas in Zaria, Rigasa, and St Peter’s in Kawo, with construction work scheduled to begin immediately.
Speaking during a sensitisation visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamali, the State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, said Governor Uba Sani had released the funds and directed that the compensation process be conducted transparently.
“The state government will ensure a transparent process, with details of affected households, properties, and compensation amounts publicly displayed for verification,” Buba said.
He noted that stakeholder engagement involving community leaders, religious institutions, women’s groups, and youth organisations would be prioritised to ensure smooth implementation.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for communities battling land degradation.
“We are very pleased with the government’s efforts and the allocation of N1.4 billion for compensation. This project will have a positive impact on our people,” the Emir said, pledging the support of district heads and local communities.
Buba also announced that the state would resume monthly sanitation exercises from November 29, to be enforced through local authorities, mobile courts, and security agencies.
The land restoration project will cover three major degraded areas Zaria (13 km), Rigasa/Tudun Wada Kaduna (17 km), and St Peter’s in Kawo (3.3 km) — with similar interventions planned for Kafanchan, Jaba, and Sabon Tasha under the NEWMAP-EIB project.
