The Nigerian government is set to pay approximately N18 billion to property owners impacted by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. This amount is significantly higher than the initial N8 billion planned for the first phase of the project, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing fair compensation.

At a stakeholder engagement event held in Lagos on November 3, Minister of Works Dave Umahi revealed that half of the new compensation amount has already been distributed. The payments were assessed and verified by independent experts to ensure fairness and accuracy. Umahi assured everyone present that the remaining compensation would be completed within ten days.

Akin Alabi, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, commended the ministry for its transparency and for actively involving stakeholders in the compensation process. He emphasized the importance of publicly documenting the compensation details to combat misinformation and encourage accountability. Alabi stated, “There are mischief makers out there, but by the time we start to publish these things, some people will have to keep quiet,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness.

With this initiative, the government aims to ensure that all affected citizens receive just compensation as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project progresses.