By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Government has allocated land worth approximately N1.7 billion to persons affected by the ongoing 330kV transmission line project of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a major step towards resolving land-related challenges associated with the project.
The intervention is aimed at addressing the concerns of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) whose properties and land holdings fall within the transmission corridor while also facilitating the smooth implementation of the critical power infrastructure project.
The 330kV transmission project, which links Mando in Kaduna State to Rimin Zakara in Kano State is designed to strengthen electricity transmission capacity and improve the reliability of power supply across Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
The allocation of alternative land forms part of efforts by the Kano State Government to resolve outstanding issues between affected communities and TCN, particularly those relating to land acquisition, compensation and resettlement.
The move is expected to remove some of the obstacles that have affected the smooth execution of the project and provide relief to residents whose properties and livelihoods are impacted by the construction of the transmission infrastructure.
The project has affected thousands of individuals and communities along its designated corridor making compensation, resettlement and livelihood restoration important components of its implementation.
TCN has, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and development partners, continued engagements with affected persons and communities to address their concerns and ensure that the project progresses with minimal disruption to their livelihoods.
The Mando–Rimin Zakara transmission line is considered an important infrastructure project for the region because of its potential to increase transmission capacity, strengthen the national grid and improve electricity delivery to major population and economic centres in Northern Nigeria.
The Kano Government’s decision to provide alternative land worth N1.7 billion demonstrates its efforts to balance the need for strategic infrastructure development with the interests of citizens affected by government-backed projects.
Stakeholders are now expected to sustain collaboration to ensure that the land allocation, compensation and resettlement processes are concluded transparently, paving the way for the timely completion of the transmission project.
With the resolution of the outstanding land-related issues attention is expected to shift towards accelerating construction and ensuring that the Mando–Rimin Zakara 330kV transmission project delivers its intended benefits to Kano and the wider northern region.
