The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on state governors across the country to emulate Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani’s approach to land acquisition, describing his compensation policy as a model that balances infrastructure development with the protection of citizens’ rights.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group praised the Kaduna State Government for compensating residents affected by the 15-kilometre Ring Road project linking Danbushiya Junction to Danhono 2 Junction in Millennium City.

According to HURIWA, the administration has demonstrated that governments can pursue large-scale development projects while respecting the constitutional rights, dignity and economic well-being of citizens whose properties are acquired for public use.

The association particularly commended Governor Sani’s position that:

“Public interest can never become a justification for injustice.”

It also endorsed his view that development should not come at the expense of fairness and compassion for affected communities.

HURIWA stressed that:

“These principles ought to become the minimum standard by which every governor in Nigeria exercises the enormous powers conferred by the Land Use Act.”

The organisation argued that although the Land Use Act empowers state governments to acquire land for overriding public interest, such authority should never be exercised arbitrarily or in a manner that leaves citizens without adequate compensation.

“Public interest and the constitutional right to property are not mutually exclusive. Responsible governance demands that both interests be carefully balanced.”

The group noted that compulsory land acquisition has long generated disputes across several states, with many affected families alleging inadequate compensation or unfair treatment after losing their homes, businesses and ancestral properties.

HURIWA further applauded the Kaduna State Government for slowing aspects of the Ring Road project to allow for a transparent valuation of affected properties before compensation was paid. It also highlighted the distribution of compensation cheques to 122 households and the payment of more than ₦3 billion to people impacted by various infrastructure projects as evidence of a people-centred approach to governance.

The rights organisation urged governors nationwide to institutionalise transparent compensation procedures, engage affected communities before compulsory land acquisition and ensure that every displaced property owner receives prompt, fair and adequate compensation in line with constitutional provisions.

According to HURIWA, governments are more likely to earn public confidence and legitimacy when infrastructure projects are implemented with justice, accountability 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.”