On Thursday, the Federal Government officially launched a committee responsible for verifying and compensating landowners impacted by the N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway construction project. This committee is tasked with the review, evaluation, and compensation process for affected individuals.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave a directive for the committee to complete verification and commence compensation within 10 days, concluding on April 28th.
This initiative aims to accelerate the construction of the project, which is expected to bring a significant infrastructural transformation to the country.
Umahi highlighted that verified claims would be promptly settled within 72 hours by the contractor, Hitech Construction Ltd. However, the total budget allocated for this compensation process was not disclosed.
The 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project has been under intense public scrutiny, notably due to concerns raised by stakeholders and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding cost, bidding procedures, and procurement processes.
Intended to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through several coastal states before reaching Cross River, the road project is estimated to cost N4bn per kilometer.
During the committee’s inauguration at the ministry headquarters in Abuja, Umahi emphasized that the action aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to transparency.
He clarified that compensation would only be provided to property owners with valid titles, excluding makeshift structures and properties within the 250m shoreline setback lacking federal government titles, as it poses a legal complication.
The committee’s responsibilities include engaging with affected property owners, assessing compensation details, and potentially conducting on-site visits for accurate evaluations.
Federal compensation rates will be utilized for determining the compensation amount, rather than the lower rates set by the Lagos State Government.
Umahi stated, “We prioritize transparency, hence the committee inauguration today. Our focus is on the two sections of phase one of the coastal road totaling 102.7 km, and the review committee will interact directly with affected property owners to finalize compensation details and if necessary, conduct on-site evaluations.
“Although we understand that no compensation amount can fully satisfy the affected individuals, we are bound by legal obligations. Therefore, we will adhere to federal compensation rates, which surpass the rates set by Lagos State. Once property owners sign the required documents and provide bank account details, payment authorization will be completed within 72 hours.
“The contractor will directly compensate all eligible individuals. We are committed to initiating this verification process starting in Lagos on Wednesday.”
In addition to verifying compensation recipients, the committee will ensure accurate calculations based on area and volume dimensions before instructing the contractor to make payments.
In situations where title discrepancies arise, a presidential waiver will be necessary for compensation disbursement.
“Only individuals with verified titles will receive compensation as presented to the ministry, subjected to further verification processes.
“We must emphasize that the federal government legally owns the 250 meters surrounding the road.
“Therefore, titles within this area lacking federal government endorsement require presidential waivers for compensation approval. Any compensation must adhere to legal frameworks,” Umahi highlighted.
Emphasizing adherence to legal protocols, Umahi instructed the committee to focus solely on verifying compensation beneficiaries, assessing their legitimacy, verifying dimensions, determining accurate amounts, and directing immediate payment upon authentication by property owners.
“Compensation will be disbursed directly from the contractor’s funds.
“However, situations involving title discrepancies will necessitate a presidential waiver for compensation approval. Only individuals with verified titles will receive compensation, complying with the ministry’s verification processes.
“If a title exists within the 250m distance but lacks federal recognition, presidential approval is required for compensation. Our actions will strictly conform to legal standards,” he reiterated.