N15bn Compensation Disbursed on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Says FG
The Federal Government has announced that N15 billion out of the N18 billion allocated for the first phase of compensation to property owners affected by the demolition along Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been disbursed. This was revealed during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Sunday.
Bede Obioha, Director of Federal Highways, Bridges, and Design at the Federal Ministry of Works, stated that the total compensation for Section 1, spanning 47.7km, exceeds N18 billion. He emphasized the government’s transparency in the process, noting that over N15 billion has already been paid out. He added that compensation details for Section 2 will be disclosed once finalized.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that 30km of the 70km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Phase 1, Section 1, will be inaugurated in May 2025. He also addressed concerns about compensation, stating that all affected property owners on Section 1 will be paid within 10 days. Umahi expressed frustration with the legal constraints surrounding compensation but assured that the government is committed to complying with court decisions, even if it means taking cases to the Supreme Court.
Umahi revealed that the initial compensation budget for Section 1 was N8 billion, but it has now risen to N18 billion. He pledged to publish all compensation details, including names, pictures, dimensions, and costs, to ensure transparency. He also directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State to expedite payments without waiting for further approvals.
Additionally, Umahi mentioned that N10 billion in compensation will be paid to those affected by the Lekki Free Trade Zone project, with payments expected to begin by mid-March. He reiterated the government’s commitment to compensating all affected individuals before proceeding with infrastructure projects.
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