In a bid to address concerns over the impact of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, the federal government has initiated compensation payments to property owners affected by the construction. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, unveiled this development during a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Lagos, where dummy cheques were presented to select property owners along the Lagos section of the road project.
The commencement of construction on the Lagos-Calabar coastal road, spanning through shoreline areas and traversing eight states, has sparked discussions regarding funding and potential disruptions to businesses in the vicinity.
Addressing stakeholders, Minister Umahi emphasized the government’s commitment to approaching the project with sensitivity, stating that compensating affected property owners demonstrates a “human face” in its execution. He disclosed that adjustments were made to the project route to preserve certain properties, highlighting the allocation of N2.7 billion for compensation payouts.
“We have rerouted a number of places. At the ocean view, we saved 168 very beautiful duplexes. We have to go back to the shoreline,” Umahi explained. “So, I wish to flag off the compensation from channel 0 to channel 3 with a total sum of N2.7 billion. That is very ambitious.”
The decision to compensate property owners underscores the government’s recognition of the impact of infrastructural projects on local communities and businesses. By providing financial compensation, authorities aim to mitigate disruptions and ensure a smoother transition for affected individuals and businesses along the project route. As the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project progresses, stakeholders will continue to monitor developments, including the disbursement of compensation funds and the implementation of measures to minimize adverse effects on communities and businesses.
