Abuja – April 19, 2024 – Viewpoint Housing News.
The Federal Government Commenced a Compensation Verification Committee to Compensate property owners affected by the construction of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
Miniter of Works, Dave Umahi made this known, yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration of the committee .
The minister also announced that, verified claims would be settled within 72 hours by the contractor, Hitech Construction Limited.
Umahi emphasized that, only property owners with proven titles would get the compensation, while owners of shanties and those with property within the 250 metre shoreline setback without a Federal Government title would not be compensated.
He also said compensating for such titles would necessitate a presidential waiver, should the President deem it appropriate.
The minister said the committee has 10 days to carry out its mandate.
The Committee has as members; The Federal Controller for Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, who also doubles as the committee’s chairman, while other members are representatives of the Federal Ministry of Works, the Lagos State government, Landlord Associations, traditional rulers and property owners on the axis affected by the project as well as the ESIA Consultants.
According to Umahi, “The work to be reviewed by the committee is very simple: interact with property owners that are going to be affected and in the presence of the committee, property owners and ESIA Consultant and the contractor, look at the compensation as enumerated to be paid and, if possible, visit the site.
“We are using the Federal rate in our enumeration, which is higher than the Lagos rate. I know very well that there is nobody who has been enumerated that is ever satisfied with how much is to be paid, but we are bound by law. So, we are using the Federal rate.
“The moment the property owner signs the forms we gave them to fill and indicates the bank account, within 72 hours we authorise payment.
“The contractor is going to pay directly to all those affected. This, we are committed to doing. This verification exercise starts in Lagos on Wednesday,”
The minister advised the committee not to go beyond its Terms of Reference but to review the proposal made by ESIA Consultants for compensation and work with all stakeholders.
