The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Nweze David Umahi, announced that a total of N18bn has been allocated as compensation for the Lagos-Calabar highway road, section 1. 

Umahi stated that the affected property owners on the compensation list must have been paid within 10 days. 

This announcement was made during the stakeholder’s meeting, that was held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, involving section 1 and section 2 of the coastal road.

Umahi’s Speech During the Stakeholders Meeting

Source: Francis Nwaze/facebook

Umahi said his hands were tied under the law for the compensation of all the people affected.  

In his words, “The Federal Executive Council (FEC) initially approved N8 billion for this corridor, but today we are hitting 18 billion, and this is just for Section One,” 

He went on to explain that the compensation for the Lagos-Calabar highway was based on assessment by professionals who are independent. 

He clearly stated that the property details would be made public for transparency. This he said while urging those yet to get their compensation to expect the compensation within 10 days.

“I have directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, to avoid waiting for further approvals from the Federal Executive Council, as the interests of the affected individuals must be prioritised. 

“Those affected should be able to access their funds for relocation. Therefore, within the next 10 days, we will complete 100 per cent of the payments as documented by our enumerators,” Umahi said. 

Umahi further added that the ministry has remained transparent during the process and that half of the payments have been made.

In the meeting, he commended President Bola Tinubu and the ministry’s efforts at making sure that the road project was kept on track. He further emphasised that the project will benefit all Nigerians, despite their political affiliation.

Stakeholders Express Dissatisfaction Over Property Demolition

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However, some stakeholders who were affected by the property demolition expressed intense dissatisfaction. They insisted on a proper review of the process.

One of the stakeholders, Olusola Enitan, a lawyer and estate surveyor, argued that the compensation process had fallen short of legal standards.

According to Enitan, the compensation for the Lagos-Calabar highway process has left many residents worse off, being that it is unjust. “Somebody who had a home is now renting with no capacity to replace what was taken away from him. This is not the intent of this beautiful work you are doing,” he said.

Enitan cited a lot of Supreme Court decisions supporting the right to fair compensation.

Senator Umahi Response to Stakeholders Dissatisfaction

The minister recognized the struggles of the property owners, emphasizing that the ministry was operating within the boundaries of the law. 

He noted that the ministry was willing to review any documents submitted by the affected parties to facilitate the prompt distribution of compensation for the Lagos-Calabar highway.

Umahi encouraged them to understand the reasons behind the actions taken on the project. He went on to offer an apology on behalf of the federal government for any negative impact the development process may have had on anyone.

Akin Alabi, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, commended the ministry for transparency and stakeholder engagement in the compensation process.