In difference to the controversies surrounding the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, the Federal Government has gone ahead to inaugurate a committee to handle compensations for those to be affected on the route.
The committee is saddled with the responsibility of reviewing, evaluating, and compensating landowners affected by the construction of the N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, also directed the committee to complete all verification and begin remuneration in 10 days, ending April 28.
Umahi said verified claims would be settled within 72 hours by the contractor, Hitech Construction Ltd, but remained silent on the total amount approved for the exercise.
The 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project has been the subject of public scrutiny, following concerns by affected stakeholders and the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, over the cost, bidding and procurement process.
The road designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River will gulp N4bn per Kilometer.
Nonetheless, the Minister warned that only property owners with proven titles will receive compensation, while shanties and those with property within the 250m shoreline setback without a federal government title would not be compensated.
