SANWO-OLU PAYS N3.1BN COMPENSATION TO LANDOWNERS AFFECTED BY LAGOS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

331 families, schools, mosques receive compensation cheques

The Lagos State Government has paid compensation to hundreds of property owners, including filling station operators, private schools, mosques and families, whose land was acquired for public infrastructure projects across the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday presented compensation cheques worth N3.1 billion to owners of ancestral land, residential properties and business premises affected by government acquisitions in Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Igbogbo and Ogba.

The presentation, held at Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, follows a similar compensation exercise conducted two years ago for individuals and businesses impacted by the state’s infrastructure development programme.

Beneficiaries include those affected by the construction of Igbe–Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, the Agric–Isawo–Konu–Arepo Road realignment, the rehabilitation and upgrade of key roads in Epe, and the construction of Hospital Road in Badagry, among other projects.

The state government said the compensation process followed detailed verification of claims through property enumeration, valuation by certified estate surveyors and confirmation of ownership to ensure payments were made to legitimate beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the land acquisitions were carried out under Sections 28 and 29 of the Land Use Act for overriding public interest, stressing that the government had a responsibility to compensate affected property owners fairly, transparently and promptly.

According to the governor, 331 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) received compensation cheques amounting to N3.1 billion.

He said the exercise was not just about disbursing funds but about demonstrating that development must remain people-centred.

Sanwo-Olu noted that every parcel of land acquired represents the lives and stories of individuals and communities, adding that acknowledging those sacrifices is a fundamental responsibility of government.

He described the compensation as a matter of justice rather than charity, emphasizing that it is the legal right of those whose properties were acquired.

The governor added that all claims were subjected to due process and independently verified to ensure only rightful owners received compensation.

While acknowledging that no amount of money could fully compensate beneficiaries for the loss of their ancestral lands and properties, Sanwo-Olu commended them for supporting projects that would deliver long-term benefits to millions of Lagos residents.

He said the infrastructure projects represent strategic investments in the state’s future and have already improved road connectivity, reduced travel time and created new opportunities for economic growth across the affected communities.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the sacrifices made by residents whose properties were acquired for public projects, noting that while infrastructure development benefits millions, the immediate burden is often borne by a relatively small number of people.

He commended the beneficiaries for their cooperation, assuring them that their contributions to the state’s development would always be appreciated.

“While infrastructure may benefit millions, its immediate impact is often borne by a few. This is the sacrifice made by the Projects Affected Persons. Your contribution is appreciated, and your partnership in the development of Lagos will never be taken for granted. Your cooperation is helping to shape a Lagos that your children, and generations yet unborn, will inherit with pride,” the governor said.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamal Olowoshago, described land as one of the most valuable assets in Lagos, stressing that the government considers it a responsibility to compensate residents who surrender their land and properties for projects executed in the overriding public interest.

He explained that the event marked the second phase of the compensation programme for those affected by government land acquisitions.

According to Olowoshago, the exercise builds on the compensation scheme conducted in 2024 and reflects the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to meeting its legal obligations to affected property owners.

He said the initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to fairness, transparency, accountability and strict compliance with the rule of law in land administration.

Olowoshago added that the state government has consistently balanced infrastructure development with compassion for residents impacted by its projects.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, members of the Lagos State Executive Council, permanent secretaries, traditional rulers from the affected communities, as well as beneficiaries and their family members.