On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the federal government initiated the payment of N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners affected by demolitions necessary for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which will span from channel 0 to channel 3.
David Umahi, the Minister of Works, announced this development during a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos State on Wednesday. Umahi addressed the property owners and stakeholders and stated that the payment marks the commencement of compensation, with further payments expected in the coming days.
“Today, we are paying over N2 billion in compensation from Channel 0 to Channel 3. So, I will invite the controller Lagos to stamp and sign, and with this, the contractors can now go ahead confidently within the right of way. I will also give a copy to the numerators to go ahead. We have rerouted many places. I wish to flag off the compensation from channel 0 to channel 3 in the total sum of N2.75 billion,” Umahi said.
In March, the Federal Government began constructing the 700-kilometre Lagos—Calabar Coastal Highway, which is intended to extend through nine states and have two spurs leading to the northern states.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during the official handover of the first phase, including a 47.47-kilometer dual carriageway, to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.
Umahi stated that the road would be constructed using concrete pavement, highlighting significant progress made by Hitech Construction Company Limited, which has completed 1.3 kilometres of the required filling since the contract was awarded.
Subsequently, the government established a committee tasked with reviewing, assessing, and compensating landowners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway.
Umahi explained that the committee, comprising members from the ministry, Lagos State, affected communities, and other stakeholders, has primary responsibilities including verifying claimants’ eligibility, assessing the dimensions of affected properties, and determining appropriate compensation amounts.
