There’s danger in delay of payment of compensation for Right of Way Acquisition — ESV. Ikechukwu H. Nwachukwu

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV) Ikechukwu Henry Nwachukwu, said there is danger in delay of payment of compensation for Right of Way Acquisition.
He stated this while addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
He expressed worry that delayed payment by the acquiring authority for 3 years after consultant Estate Surveyors and Valuers must have assessed and recommended adequate compensation is unacceptable.
ESV Nwachukwu said eventually when paid without reassessment, the amount paid will be worthless due to inflation and other economic factors that affects the cost of living.
“This brings about a lack of confidence and trust in both government and consultant Estate Surveyors and Valuers who engage in such projects.
“It also leads to resistance from communities and individuals whenever the government wants to carry out projects that will benefit the people, on the premise of lack of sincerity on the part of the acquiring authority.
“To avoid the above issues, the acquiring authority should emulate the government of River State in prompt payment of compensation. Ideally, within 1 month of submission of valuation report by the consultant Estate Surveyors and Valuers.
“By so doing, the proposed project will be achieved, and the project affected persons will also be happy.
“Compensation is the amount payable to project affected persons by the acquiring authority in case of compulsory acquisition. The law that established the right of government to acquire land for overriding public interest also provides that the affected person(s) have the right to receive fair and adequate compensation to enable him/her to replace the loss suffered or even put the person in a better condition then he or she was before the loss.”