The Nigerian government has begun disbursing N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners impacted by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This comes amidst controversy surrounding the claim of ownership by Landmark, a property said to be located within the highway’s path.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, flagged off the compensation process, stating the government’s commitment to fair compensation for those affected by the project. He emphasized a “human-face” approach, prioritizing the well-being of citizens who voted for President Buhari.
However, the Federal Government has cast doubt on the legitimacy of Landmark’s land title. Minister Umahi suggested Landmark might be “playing politics with politicians,” implying the claim could be unsubstantiated.
The N2.75 billion covers property owners from channel 0 to channel 3 of the highway construction project. Tenants within the Landmark property were also assured of receiving compensation by 2:00 pm on the day of the announcement.
This development highlights the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure projects. While the government aims for swift progress on the Lagos-Calabar highway, land ownership disputes pose a potential hurdle. The legitimacy of Landmark’s claim will likely be determined through the appropriate channels.
