By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Federal Government has disclosed that it is paying multi-billion naira compensation to property owners affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, with the process being closely monitored to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja, during a press briefing.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that no section of the highway should be constructed without first compensating affected persons.
Umahi explained that under the Federal Government’s policy, state governments are expected to partner with the Federal Government on the payment of compensation whenever a federal road project passes through their states.
According to him, while some states have complied with the arrangement, others are yet to do so.
He commended the governors of Delta, Benue and Abia states for their proactive support in facilitating compensation payments, noting that some other states may be constrained by limited financial resources or have not prioritised the exercise.
“For the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the President directed that compensation must be paid. We are paying compensation and it runs into multi-billions of naira,” Umahi said.
He acknowledged that some individuals had attempted to exploit the compensation process but assured Nigerians that adequate safeguards had been put in place.
“In every system, some people try to take advantage. But I am the gatekeeper, and I can assure you that our process is transparent and tight,” he stated.
The minister also defended the decision to name sections of major infrastructure projects before the completion of the entire project.
Responding to concerns that projects should only be named after full completion, Umahi explained that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being executed in phases, with completed sections already serving motorists and businesses.
He said the stretch from Victoria Island to the Lekki Junction, once completed, would represent a significant milestone and could appropriately be identified as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway.
According to the minister, assigning names to completed sections of ongoing projects recognises tangible progress while giving the infrastructure a distinct identity even before the entire corridor is delivered.
Also, Umahi further stated that the President also approved the Lau Bridge in Taraba State, a 5.76 kilometre bridge to be designed, procured and awarded.
“The Lau Bridge in Taraba State, 5.76 kilometres, the President approved that it should be designed, procured and awarded,” he said.
He said the President also approved the award of contracts for two projects in the South East.
“The greatest news is that yesterday, President Bola Tinubu approved the addition of 400 kilometres to our fourth legacy road. That is an 800-kilometre road under that fourth legacy project, passing from Plateau down to Taraba. That is unprecedented. It brings that fourth legacy project to 1,100 kilometres,” Umahi said.
He added that the President also approved an additional 400km dualisation for the East-West Road.
