The Federal Government has begun paying compensation to property owners and farmers affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Cross River State.
The Federal Comptroller of Works in Cross River, Engr. Yinka Onafuye, confirmed that between 700 and 1,000 affected persons have been verified and captured for payment based on assessments by certified valuers.
Onafuye made this known at the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat on Friday after meeting with residents whose properties were impacted by the project.
He explained that the compensation exercise under Section 3A is currently ongoing in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs, with Akamkpa beneficiaries already receiving payment, while processing for Odukpani residents is still underway.
Traditional rulers and community leaders have praised the process for its transparency.
The Secretary of the Akamkpa Traditional Rulers Council, Bassey Okon Edet, described the valuation and payment procedure as “unprecedented” and commended the government for fairness.
Some beneficiaries, however, experienced delays due to lack of bank accounts or valid identification. To resolve this, the government invited financial institutions to the payment centres to help affected persons open new accounts.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is currently 15% complete, with nearly one kilometre of concrete pavement already laid. The project is expected to be completed within three to four years, bringing major economic benefits such as increased land value, business growth, and job creation.
Community leaders have pledged to support the project and warned residents against erecting new structures on already acquired land in a bid to make fresh claims, describing such actions as sabotage.
The government assured that it will continue engaging stakeholders to ensure the project proceeds smoothly, transparently, and fairly.
