The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the arbitrary seizure of private property by state governors under the guise of the Land Use Act.

However, it commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for demonstrating a humane, constitutional and rights-based approach to exercising the governors’ powers under the Act.

According to HURIWA, Governor Sani’s handling of compensation for the residents affected by the 15-kilometre ring road project has set a commendable standard for balancing the need for infrastructure development with the constitutional rights, dignity and economic well-being of citizens whose properties are acquired for public purposes.

Particularly, HURIWA applauded the governor’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.”

In a statement, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said these principles should become the minimum standard by which every Nigerian governor exercises the extensive powers under the Land Use Act.

“While the law empowers state governments to acquire land for overriding public interest, such authority must never be exercised arbitrarily or in ways that impoverish citizens by dispossessing them of their homes, businesses and ancestral lands without prompt, adequate and fair compensation,” he stated.

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

“For decades, compulsory acquisition of land has remained one of the most contentious aspects of governance in Nigeria. Across several states, thousands of citizens have allegedly been deprived of their landed assets through government acquisitions, without humane treatment or commensurate compensation.

“Reports of such experiences have emerged from states including Lagos, Anambra and even Kaduna under the immediate past administration, leaving many affected families to bear enormous financial and emotional burdens.

“It is, therefore, refreshing that Governor Sani has demonstrated that governments can pursue ambitious infrastructure projects without sacrificing justice, compassion and respect for the rights of citizens.

“His administration’s decision to slow aspects of the ring road project to allow for a transparent assessment of the affected properties before compensation is paid reflects a commendable commitment to fairness and accountability.”

HURIWA also applauded the governor’s assurance that no Kaduna citizen would be dispossessed of property without fair and adequate compensation.

According to the group, the distribution of compensation cheques to 122 affected households and the disclosure that over N3 billion has been paid to residents affected by various infrastructure projects underscore an approach to governance anchored on justice rather than expediency.

Consequently, “we urge all state governors to emulate this model by institutionalising transparent compensation mechanisms, engaging affected communities before the compulsory acquisition of land, and ensuring that every citizen whose property is acquired in the public interest receives prompt, adequate and equitable compensation in accordance with the constitution and the principles of natural justice.

It added that governments earn greater legitimacy and public trust when development projects are pursued with fairness, empathy and respect for the rule of law, adding that sustainable development can only thrive where citizens are treated as partners in progress rather than casualties of it.