The Federal Government has confirmed its intention to compensate all property owners along the route of the proposed 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway across nine states. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved compensation payments to affected property owners, outlining the requirements and conditions for eligibility.
Umahi disclosed that the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is estimated to cost approximately N15.36 trillion or N4.39 billion per kilometer. He emphasized that the government had extended the eviction notice for affected property owners in the multi-trillion naira project, which is slated to be completed within eight years.
The Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project aims to connect Lagos to Cross River, traversing through nine coastal states: Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before terminating in Cross River.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with affected residents in Lagos, Umahi stated that compensation would only be provided to deserving individuals based on approved documents. He clarified that an environmental impact assessment valuation had been conducted on affected buildings, with shanty and illegal building owners ineligible for compensation.
Umahi reiterated, “The Federal Ministry of Works will pay compensation, and the President has directed me to pay compensation, but we are not going to pay anything to those living in shanties.” He emphasized the importance of adhering to property approval regulations and highlighted the President’s directive to implement a compensation plan in light of the country’s prevailing hardships.
Regarding the project timeline, Umahi indicated that the initial 47km would be completed within 36 months, with a possibility of early completion due to progress already made. However, he noted that the overall project completion timeline would depend on the procurement of all project sections.
In conclusion, Umahi underscored the urgency of the project, suggesting a potential extension of eviction notices to accommodate the impending rainy season. He expressed confidence in the project’s progress and assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to completing the highway efficiently.