Lagos-Calabar Superhighway project

When David Umahi, Minister of Works, addressed stakeholders meeting at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, on Wednesday, he disclosed that the Nigerian government was paying N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Superhighway.

According to the minister, the compensation was for properties on channel 0 to 3 kilometres that were demolished to pave the way for the construction of the 700km road

In his words: “These are tough decisions, but had to be taken for economic value.”

“A lot of people doubted that we will not pay, but we let them know that this is the regime of President Bola Tinubu. We initiated a lot of policies and we are witnessing results,” the minister added.

Those to be compensated, as reported by Businessday, include Landmark Group, Kids Club, Maxtivity, and Bolaji Areyoh who, the minister said, has the largest infrastructure affected, especially his Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, among others.

Areyoh affirmed that, though the sacrifice is a huge one, “the project will benefit a lot more Nigerians, urging other affected individuals and businesses to comply with the government.”

Olukorede Kesha, the Federal controller of works in Lagos, said the coastal highway has come to stay and is no longer in the pipeline. “We are paying for properties demolished on the first 3 kilometres today and those affected will be collecting their cheques and receiving their money in the bank.

“The minister had earlier promised adequate compensation and this is to clear the doubt that the federal government meant everything it said,” she explained

Speaking on Landmark demolition, Umahi said there is no inhumanity meted out on Landmark, adding that the shorelines were never given to Landmark and so, have to be taken back.

He added that the compensation is out of mercy to some people occupying some places illegally, noting that some people have taken sides to play politics.

The minister stressed that payment for demolished properties will be made according to the government’s old rate of compensation.

“The highway will be like a main road for trade and business, linking Lagos, a busy city in the west, to Calabar, a lively port city in the east. Embarking on this huge project will foster new opportunities for communities and businesses, making a big difference to Nigeria‘s economy and society.