Compensation: Federal Gov’t Sets Up C’ttee To Verify Property Owners On Lagos-Calabar Highway

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has inaugurated a committee to verify those whose property are within the right of way of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway for compensation.

The Minister, during the inauguration on Thursday in Abuja, said the verification was important to identify those that will be compensated for their loss owing to the road project.

He clarified that 250 meters after the shores belong to the federal government, thus, properties within the range won’t get compensation except with the waiver of the president.

Umahi, who emphasised that it’s not the committee that will make the payment, explained that its function was just to verify the authenticity of claims and the properties to be affected.

He added that once genuine owners have been identified, they will sign documents, after which the contractor handling the road will make the payment.

“So, it is the contractor’s money. The committee is just to intervene when there is a little problem, which will need a presidential waiver before it will be paid.

“So, it is only those that have proven titles will be paid as they are brought to us in the ministry, it will still undergo process. We will shorten the process, we don’t delay files. The owners will be assured that within 24 hours, we will do the needful.”

While stating that compensations will be paid using the federal rate, he acknowledged that no amount will satisfy those that will be paid.

When asked on how much and how the compensation will be calculated, he said it will be based on the areas and volumes of the property, while economic trees will also be considered.

“We don’t pay for shanties within the right of way,” he noted.

On if the money compensation is part of the N15trn total cost of the project, the Minister said the compensation is inside the bill agreed on by the ministry.

He, however, said “in every segment of the contract, I believe they won’t give me bill that has not been approved.”