The Katsina State government has disbursed over ₦7.6 billion in compensation to property owners affected by its ambitious urban renewal and road expansion programme.
The commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr Faisal Umar Keita, revealed this on Saturday during a cheque-presentation ceremony in Katsina.
He said the latest round of payments, amounting to ₦1.565 billion to 378 beneficiaries, covers properties marked for demolition for the dualisation of the Kofar Souri Roundabout – Central Mosque Road, a key artery in the state capital, describing it as the most extensive payout of its kind in the state’s history.
“This administration has so far compensated over 5,000 beneficiaries with about ₦7.6 billion since we came on board,” Dr Keita announced, adding that “It is a great feat compared to what previous governments paid as compensation.”
The commissioner credited the record-breaking payments to Governor Dikko Radda’s “pay before work starts” policy, which ensures that property owners receive full funds before any demolition or construction begins.
“We have moved away from compulsory acquisition to a fairer replacement-cost model. Every individual is given enough money to replace whatever property is taken, and time to relocate before work starts,” he said
The compensation drive is tied to a broader infrastructure plan that includes about 60 kilometres of new dualised roads within Katsina Metropolis and extensive upgrades in Funtua and other urban centres. A state-wide physical development master plan, expected to be signed into law by October, will further guide expansion and new layout.
Dr Keita praised residents for what he called a “sacrifice for the greater good,” noting that many beneficiaries have already identified replacement properties and are eager to relocate.
“People now want a road to pass through their houses so that they can use the funds to rebuild their lives elsewhere and help the city expand,” he said.
The Katsina State Government maintained that the unprecedented compensation demonstrates its commitment to fairness while pushing forward transformative infrastructure projects designed to modernise the capital and surrounding towns.
