Niger State High Court Awards Samboro Community N1.1 Trillion Over Zungeru Hydro Project

In a landmark ruling, the Niger State High Court in Minna has awarded a staggering N1.1 trillion in compensation to the Samboro community in Rafi Local Government Area. This compensation is for the severe hardships endured due to the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project situated in the region.

Justice Mohammed Mohammed, presiding over suit no: NSHC/6/2023 filed by Abubakar Usman and 2,844 others against the federal government, delivered the verdict. The plaintiffs, represented by their lawyer Mohammed Ndarani, presented compelling evidence of the distress they faced, including land encroachment and pollution, which blatantly violated existing laws.

Justice Mohammed’s ruling, handed down on Thursday, marks a significant victory for the Samboro community. He acknowledged the plaintiffs’ status as the original occupants of approximately 7,868 hectares of land in Rafi Local Government Area. The judge emphasised the egregious acts perpetrated during the construction of the Zungeru Dam Project, resulting in the displacement of residents and significant environmental degradation.

“The defendants’ actions have led to ongoing flooding and erosional confrontations, causing irreparable damage to the Samboro Community,” stated Justice Mohammed.

Consequently, the court ordered the federal government, the 1st defendant, to promptly compensate the plaintiffs with the sum of N1,115,595,047,288. This substantial monetary compensation encompasses the destruction of farmlands, homes, economic sabotage, and the obliteration of vital livelihood resources.

In response to the verdict, Mohammed, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, expressed satisfaction, asserting that justice had prevailed. “The plight of the peasant farmers who have suffered untold hardship has been acknowledged by the court,” he said in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

He emphasised the pivotal role of the judiciary in upholding justice for ordinary citizens and encouraged others to seek legal recourse when faced with injustices.

Significance of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project

The Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project, situated in Niger State, holds strategic importance in Nigeria’s energy landscape. Designed to meet approximately 10% of the nation’s domestic energy needs, this hydroelectric plant promises significant contributions to Nigeria’s power generation capacity.

However, the placement of the power plant has sparked legal battles with surrounding communities, such as the Samboro community, who have demanded compensation for the infringement on their lands and livelihoods.