N18bn will be paid as compensation for Lagos-Calabar coastal road project – Umahi

The federal government has announced plans to pay approximately N18 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. 

This figure represents an increase from the initial N8 billion earmarked for the project’s first phase, ensuring fair compensation for affected citizens.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, November 3, at a stakeholder engagement event, Minister of Works Dave Umahi disclosed that the new amount, applicable to phase one’s section one, reflects the government’s commitment to fair restitution. He also confirmed that half of the compensation has already been disbursed, with payments assessed and verified by independent experts. Umahi assured attendees that the remaining compensation will be completed within 10 days.

Akin Alabi, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, praised the ministry for its transparency and efforts to engage stakeholders. He also stressed the importance of publicly documenting compensation details to prevent misinformation and foster accountability.

“There are mischief makers out there, but by the time we start to publish these things, some people will have to keep quiet,” Alabi noted, underlining the government’s dedication to clarity and fairness in the process.