BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged state governors across the country to emulate the approach of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in implementing the Land Use Act, describing his administration’s compensation policy for affected property owners as humane, constitutional and rights-based.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA commended Governor Sani’s handling of compensation for citizens affected by government acquisition of land, particularly those impacted by the ongoing 15-kilometre Ring Road project stretching from Danbushiya Junction to Danhono II Junction in Millennium City, Kaduna.
The group said the governor’s decision to compensate affected households had set “a commendable standard for balancing the imperative of infrastructure development with the constitutional rights, dignity and economic wellbeing of citizens whose properties are acquired for public purposes.”
HURIWA particularly applauded Governor Sani’s declaration that “public interest can never become a justification for injustice” and that development cannot be meaningful if it imposes hardship without compassion or pursues progress without fairness.
According to the rights group, these principles should serve as the minimum standard for the exercise of the extensive powers granted to state governors under the Land Use Act.
Onwubiko argued that although the law empowers state governments to acquire land for overriding public interest, such powers must not be exercised arbitrarily or in a manner that impoverishes citizens through the loss of homes, businesses and ancestral lands without prompt, adequate and fair compensation.
“Public interest and the constitutional right to property are not mutually exclusive. Responsible governance demands that both interests are carefully balanced,” he stated.
HURIWA recalled that compulsory acquisition of land has remained one of the most contentious aspects of governance in Nigeria for decades, alleging that many citizens across several states have lost landed assets through government acquisitions without receiving humane treatment or commensurate compensation.
The group noted that reports of such experiences had emerged from states including Lagos, Anambra and even Kaduna under the immediate past administration, leaving affected families to bear significant financial and emotional burdens.
“It is, therefore, refreshing that Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated that governments can pursue ambitious infrastructure projects without sacrificing justice, compassion and respect for the rights of citizens,” the statement said.
HURIWA further commended the Kaduna State government’s decision to slow aspects of the Ring Road project to allow for transparent assessment of affected properties before compensation was paid, describing the move as evidence of a strong commitment to fairness and accountability.
The group also praised Governor Sani’s assurance that no resident of Kaduna State would be dispossessed of property without fair and adequate compensation.
According to HURIWA, the distribution of compensation cheques to 122 affected households and the disclosure that over N3 billion has been paid to persons affected by various infrastructure projects reflect a governance approach anchored on justice rather than expediency.
The organisation called on all state governors to institutionalise transparent compensation mechanisms, engage affected communities before compulsory land acquisitions and ensure that every citizen whose property is acquired in the public interest receives prompt, adequate and equitable compensation in line with constitutional provisions and the principles of natural justice.
“Governments earn greater legitimacy and public trust when development projects are pursued with fairness, empathy and respect for the rule of law. Sustainable development can only thrive where citizens are treated as partners in progress rather than casualties of it,” the statement added.
