FG To Name Zaria Railway Extension After Emir’s Ancestor

The federal government is considering a request to name a proposed railway extension in Zaria, Kaduna State, after the grandfather of the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, in recognition of his historical contributions to railway development in the area.

The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, disclosed this during a visit to the Emir’s palace, where he also pledged to intervene in outstanding compensation disputes delaying the railway extension from Jaji Station towards the Kano–Abuja rail corridor.

Adebiyi said the ministry would review the monarch’s request and convey it to the appropriate authorities for consideration.

The Emir had appealed to the federal government to immortalise his grandfather through the proposed naming, arguing that his contribution to the establishment of railway transportation in Zaria deserved recognition.

He urged Adebiyi to present the request to the Minister of Transportation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Beyond the naming proposal, the monarch raised concerns over unresolved compensation claims involving residents whose properties and interests had been affected by railway construction.

Responding, Adebiyi said he would meet the affected residents the following week to examine their complaints, review relevant records, and explore ways to resolve the disputes.

He acknowledged that compensation issues were among the factors delaying the railway extension, adding that the ministry would review the grievances, including concerns relating to the statutory framework governing compensation.

The permanent secretary assured the Emir that the ministry would work towards an acceptable resolution.

Bamali, who welcomed the return of train services to Zaria, described the development as a revival of the city’s historic connection with rail transportation.

Recalling his childhood, the monarch said he travelled from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time.

He called for sustained investment in railway infrastructure, noting that improved rail connectivity would ease the difficulties associated with road travel.