The Federal Government last week Thursday 18th April, 2024 handed down a 10- day ultimatum to the 19- man compensation committee set up to verify the claims of property owners along section 1 of the Lagos- Calabar Highway project to conclude it’s assignment.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi, who inaugurated the committee via zoom, was emphatic that only properties with proven titles will be attended to.
The Committee chaired by Engr (Mrs) Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, is therefore expected to relate with property owners as well as other relevant stakeholders towards establishing those who are entitled to compensation and arriving at the due amounts.
Members are drawn from the different groups of stakeholders, including Lagos State Government, affected Local Government Areas Traditional Rulers, professional bodies, estate developers as well as residents.
Some of the committee members are as follows:
Rep. of Director, Bridges and Design. – Engr Oladele Sola; Rep of Honourable Minister of Works. – Barrister Joseph Ekumankama; Engr Olufemi Dare. – FMW, Lagos; ESIA Consultant. – Dr. Eugene Itua; Rep 1 ESIA. – Suv. Popoola Lateef; Rep 2 ESIA. – Emmanuel Eneh; Rep. of Oba Oniru. – Mr. Yemi Stephen; Rep. of Oba Elegushi. – Mrs. Peju Omotayo; Rep. of Oba Ojomu of Ajiran land. – Hon. Jide Akintoye; Rep of Oba Onibeju of Ibeju – Mr Agbaje Adesegun.
Others are: Rep. of Eti Osa Local Government. – Adeola Adetoro; Rep. of Ibeju Lekki Local Government. – Hon. Moruf Isa; Olawale Ojikutu (Min of Lands, LASG) – Secretary; Rep. Of LASG Surveyor General. – Moyosore Faji; Rep. Min of Physical Planning LASG. – Kunle Bello; Rep 1 Hitech. – Mr. Willie; Rep 2 Hitech. – Mr. Ashton and Rep DLS. – Mrs Igboko
The Minister explained that the Government is bound by law to pay compensation using federal rates while acknowledging that in many instances the property owners are hardly satisfied.
“We are using the federal rates to do our enumeration. I know very well that there is nobody that is ever enumerated that is ever satisfied with how much is to be paid, but we are bound by the law, and so we are using federal rates.”
Umahi who assured of speed and transparency in the payment process said, “The moment the property owner signs, and then we have a form that we give to them to fill, and indicate the bank account; the moment that is done, within 72 hours, we authorize payment.
“The contractor is going to be paying directly to all those who are affected, and this we are committed to doing. This verification will start Wednesday in Lagos, and of course, we have to make it very clear that 250 meters legally belong to the Federal Government.