Abuja, April 19, 2024 – The Federal Government has set up a committee to review, assess and compensate landowners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway.
David Umahi, the Minister of Works, announced this during the committee’s inauguration in Abuja.
He said the goal of the committee was to ensure transparency in all undertakings concerning compensations of people affected by the project.
“The gesture is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of Presidents Bola Tinubu which is transparency.
“The committee is tasked with interacting with the property owners to be affected, and to look at possible compensations to be paid. Where it is possible, the committee should visit the sites,” he said.
In his explanation of the compensation process for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway project,
Umahi highlighted the ministry’s commitment to using Federal Government rates, which are higher than those typically used in Lagos.
He acknowledged the common dissatisfaction among compensation recipients, but emphasized the legal obligation to adhere to these federal standards, given that the Federal Government is the funding body.
“I know very well that there is nobody that you ever compensate that is ever satisfied with how much is to be paid.
“However, we are bound by the law, so we are using the federal rate, which is a lot higher than the Lagos rate, in paying compensation
“We adopted the Federal Government rate since we are the ones paying,” he said.
The minister said the committee, comprising members from the ministry, Lagos State, affected communities, and other stakeholders, has primary responsibilities that include verifying the eligibility of claimants, assessing the dimensions of affected properties, and determining the appropriate compensation amounts. (GBN)
