Landmark Group’s Title Challenged by Minister, Compensation Begins for Others

He questioned Landmark Group’s title at a stakeholder meeting on compensation payments to property owners affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Lagos on Wednesday.

He stated, ”The Federal Government owns the 250-metre coastal line from the coastline, according to the Supreme Court Judgment”.

“I am talking in particular to Landmark, and come to think of it, none of his infrastructures are affected. I agree that there are some people in sublet relationships, but the shoreline was never given to Landmark by the Oniru’s family, and so these people he sublets to, rented some makeshifts within the shoreline, and if you go to the shoreline, you will see a demarcation of what was given to him”.

He went on to say, “I’ve asked Landmark to bring his paperwork, and I dare him and his co-politicians to bring them, and let him show them to the press. 

Meanwhile, the payment of N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the demolition required for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which runs from channel 0 to channel 3, began on Wednesday.

The minister stated, “To show sympathy for those who voted for Mr. President, we will do everything necessary to pay the human-face compensation. Today, we pay nearly N2 billion in compensation simply from channel 0 to channel 3.”

Umahi stated that the money being provided was a flag-off for ten persons, and that the remaining individuals should be compensated through the money Committee Secretariat.

He continued, “Today, all renters within the Landmark premises have been shortlisted, and they will receive payment alerts by 2:00 p.m. The majority of them have arrived, which brings Landmark’s politics to a close.

The minister referred the remaining uncompensated property owners to the compensation committee.

“Everyone should meet with the committee. The committee will meet at 2:00 p.m. to sign your indemnity agreements, and you will receive your alert by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.”

The first phase of the compensation flag-off included ten property owners. The Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, stated that these property owners were the first ten to be rewarded, and that other compensations would follow.

In March, the Federal Government began construction of the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which will go across nine states and include two spurs to the northern states.

The next month, the government formed a commission to study, analyze, and compensate landowners affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway building project.

Umahi stated that the committee’s primary responsibilities included verifying claimant eligibility, assessing the dimensions of affected properties, and determining appropriate compensation amounts.