The Nigerian government has initiated plans to compensate citizens affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project in southern Nigeria.
In line with this development, the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, has inaugurated a committee tasked with assessing the compensation proposal, engaging with affected individuals, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Mr. Umahi stated that the compensation process will adhere to federal government rates, emphasising efficiency to expedite proceedings.
He stated, “This is just to interact with property owners that are going to be affected and, in their presence, and in the presence of the committee and contractor, look at the compensation as enumerated to be paid and where possible you visit the site. We are using the federal rate to do our enumeration. Our federal rate is higher than Lagos State rate in paying compensation so we adopt the federal rate.
“The moment the property owner signs and the account to be credited is provided on a form, within 72hours, we authorize payment. This verification will start latest by Wednesday in Lagos.
“Where there is a title problem, it will need Presidential waiver for such to be paid. So only those that have proven titles will be paid.
“We have to make it very clear that 250 meters legally belongs to the Federal Government and so if you have a title within these 250 meters and it is not a title from Federal Government, then it is incumbent and only Mr. President will give a waiver if he feels so for the person to be paid.”
The works minister gave the committee ten days to carry out the assignment.
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