The owners of 750 homes demolished to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway have taken the Federal Government to court, accusing it of offering inadequate compensation. The former homeowners have expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that the compensation provided does not reflect the value of their investments.
The affected homeowners have described the government’s compensation as “ridiculous” and are calling for a review. “This is ridiculous! What am I supposed to do with this? I will make this in a week,” said Olanrewaju Ojo, founder of Leisure Games, who received a compensation of N1.3 million.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, the Federal Government has declared that the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will continue. Minister of Works, David Umahi, addressed the situation at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He reassured the public that all legal and procedural requirements were met before the commencement of the N15.36 trillion project, which is being constructed on a concrete pavement.
The road, estimated to cost N4 billion per kilometer, has already seen contracts awarded for two sections, totaling less than 100km, at a cost of N2.46 trillion. Umahi emphasized that the project is a priority and is expected to be completed within eight years.
During the press briefing, held to mark his first year in office, Umahi reiterated the government’s commitment to the project, dismissing allegations that it lacked proper authorization. He also addressed concerns about the ongoing court cases, stating, “We are paying compensation. We are following the corridor’s right of way. We are following the corridor that is legally allowed for the Federal Government.”
Umahi further commented on the challenges posed by what he referred to as “fraudulent individuals” attempting to exploit the situation for personal gain. He assured that the government is prepared to handle the multiple legal cases, stressing that the project is proceeding according to plan.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is designed to link Lagos with Cross River, passing through several coastal states including Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before reaching its final destination in Cross River.
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