Property owners along the Lagos-Calabar highway have expressed their rejection of the N18 billion compensation proposed by the government for land acquisition.
This decision has sparked significant countroversy, as many believe the compensation does not adequately reflect the value of their properties and the potential disruptions caused by the highway expansion.
The affected property owners argue that the compensation fails to consider the rising market values and the economic impact of the project on their livelihoods.
They are calling for a reassessment of the compensation package to ensure it is fair and just. In light of these developments, stakeholders are urging the government to engage in dialogue with the property owners to address their concerns and find a mutually agreeable solution that facilitates the highway project while respecting the rights and interests of the local community.
- Paul Osemele revealed, “I was offered N42m compensation, but I did not take it. Why would I take N42m, when my property was valued at N978m, which is close to a billion? This does not just apply to me alone but to many others.”- He highlighted the significant loss, stating, “They demolished a twin duplex of five bedrooms each, converted into 16 apartments, with a penthouse, and a four two-bed flat each behind.”
- Sola Enitan, the head of the coalition group for those facing compensation issues, emphasized that Osemele generated N36m in revenue annually from the recently demolished properties.- Enitan criticized the government’s compensation strategy, stating, “The government is claiming to want to spend N15trn on a road when everybody around the world knows that such a project requires N2-3tn in plant availability compensation payment, these are global best practices.”
- He added that while they would have considered legal action, they have not done so yet because they are currently addressing the issue in the House of Representatives, where the Works Minister failed to appear despite being served twice.
- An anonymous source criticized the Federal Ministry of Works, stating, “They had made a ridiculous offer, it’s about three per cent of the assessed value of my property. And in addition, wanted me to sign an indemnity stating they had paid me fully for my whole property. I refused to sign so they refused to pay any compensation.”
- The individual detailed their property, saying, “My property is on two plots measuring over 1,700sqms. I built a beautiful one-storey building with 4 bedrooms for myself and my family. We also have a two-room ensuite boys’ quarters.”
- The property was valued at over N630m, but the government’s offer was only about N18m. They are seeking justice for fair compensation through legal channels, although court action would be a last resort, with appeals made and hearings held in the National Assembly.
- Cajetan Onu, President of Total Energies Staff Cooperative Society, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the compensation was insufficient compared to the investment made on the developed property.
- He added, “As I speak now, we have a bulldozer on our fence and we started developing our clubhouse four years ago, and we just commissioned it this year. We are not against the project; what we are requesting is more time to recover the equipment we can recover.”
The founder of Leisure Games, Olanrewaju Ojo, expressed his frustration after receiving N1.3m in compensation, stating, “This is ridiculous! What am I supposed to do with this? I will make this in a week.” Another business owner from Good Beach, who wished to remain anonymous, shared similar sentiments about his compensation, which he claimed was only 1/6 of what he had submitted.
- He said, “For me, the compensation I was given is about 1/6 of what we submitted. It is not up to what we invested in this business. I am having mixed feelings now and I do not know what to do.
- I do not know if I should accept or reject this.”In response, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, noted that the budget for compensation on section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway had increased from N8bn to N18bn. He assured that everyone on the compensation list would be paid within 10 days, stating, “There is a legal basis for this, though I’m not a legal expert; we consulted experts for that, and 50 per cent of the compensation has already been paid.
- 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.”
