Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that not all property owners affected by the construction of the Lagos to Calabar coastal road will be compensated. Umahi emphasised that shanty owners would not receive compensation, and the exact number of houses slated for demolition has yet to be determined.
Speaking during a tour of the coastal road project in Lagos, Umahi stated that while normally unapproved property owners wouldn’t be entitled to compensation, President Bola Tinubu’s humane stance ensures they will be duly compensated.
Engagements with affected property owners will commence next Wednesday to determine compensation, marking the first phase of the process.
Umahi revealed inheriting 2,600 projects from the previous administration, with the coastal road being one. The 700km road, once completed, is projected to last for a century, attracting foreign investment and boosting local trade.
Responding to concerns raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar about the project’s credibility, Umahi explained that construction costs couldn’t be fixed due to inflation, requiring periodic review. He assured that compensation would not be delayed and appealed for stakeholders’ cooperation.
In light of recent accidents on the Third Mainland Bridge during Eid celebrations, Umahi announced plans for an observation point equipped with CCTV cameras for monitoring. Safety measures, including the deployment of Federal Road Safety Corps personnel, will be implemented to curb speeding.
Umahi was reassured that the Landmark Beach Resort would not be affected by the road construction, ensuring no loss of property or jobs at the resort.
