A total of **N18 billion** has been earmarked to compensate property owners affected by section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, as announced by the Minister of Works, **David Umahi**, on Sunday.
During a stakeholders’ engagement focusing on both section 1 and section 2 of the highway, Umahi emphasized that all individuals listed for compensation in section 1 would receive their payments within **10 days**.
Addressing concerns over the compensation process, Umahi expressed his frustrations with the situation, stating, “I wouldn’t have been able to respond if you had asked me this question earlier. But let me say clearly and emphatically that I’m quite frustrated with this situation.
However, my hands are tied by the law.” He acknowledged the difficulties faced by affected property owners, including his own losses due to similar arrangements.
Umahi explained the complexities involved in fulfilling legal obligations regarding compensation, noting, “It’s incredibly challenging to pay for this, but when facing legal obligations, one is bound to comply.”
He confirmed that professionals had been engaged to manage the compensation process, and highlighted the Federal Executive Council’s approval of an initial budget of **N8 billion** for section 1, which was subsequently increased to **N18 billion** based on recommendations from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
This announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the needs of affected individuals while advancing the crucial infrastructure project that aims to enhance connectivity along the Lagos-Calabar route.
