Hundreds of beneficiaries, including filling stations, private schools, and mosques, have been compensated by the Lagos State Government as Projects Affected Persons on parcels of land acquired for overriding public interest for infrastructure.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday presented N3.1 billion cheques to owners of ancestral land, residential buildings, and business centres acquired across Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Igbogbo, and Ogba areas for various development projects of the State Government.
The ceremony, which took place at the Adeyemi Bero Hall in Alausa, was a sequel to the compensation scheme held two years ago.
The beneficiaries included those affected by the construction of Igbe-Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, construction of Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road realignment, rehabilitation and upgrade of strategic arterial roads in Epe, and construction of Hospital Road in Badagry, among others.
The compensation payments followed thorough verification of claims by the State Government through enumeration, valuation by professional estate surveyors, and confirmation of title in order to ensure the compensations were paid to the rightful owners of the acquired properties.
Sanwo-Olu said the State exercised its powers under Sections 28 and 29 of the Land Use Act to acquire the land for overriding public interest, noting that the Government took it as an obligation to compensate those affected fairly, transparently and promptly.
He said: “Today, we are presenting cheques totalling ₦3.1 billion to 331 Project Affected Persons whose land and property were acquired for strategic road projects across our State.
“We have gathered not merely to present compensation cheques, but to reaffirm a principle that lies at the heart of responsible governance: that development must always have a human face.
“We believe behind every development corridor is a community.
“Behind every parcel of land is a story.
“Behind every acquisition are individuals whose lives are directly touched by the decisions of the government.
“For us in Lagos, acknowledging those stories is not optional; it is a moral responsibility.
“Today’s ceremony is the fulfilment of that obligation.
“Therefore, the compensation is not charity; it is justice.
“It is not a favour; it is the right of the beneficiaries.
“Any progress that overlooks people cannot endure.
“Development that ignores justice cannot command public trust.
“This is yet another promise fulfilled and every claim was verified through due process, engaging professional estate surveyors to ensure that compensation reaches the rightful owners and no one else.”
Sanwo-Olu said the compensations could not quantify the sacrifice made by the beneficiaries to give out their properties to pave the way for the construction of infrastructure that would benefit the masses.
The Governor said the his administration had been delivering on the projects, which he described as “strategic investments” in the future of the State.
He added that the residents had already reaping the benefits of the projects, with improvement in road connectivity across the project areas, reduction in travel time, and creating opportunities for economic growth across the communities.
Sanwo-Olu said: “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 Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamal Olowoshago, said land in Lagos remained one of the most valuable assets for any individual.
He added that the government made it obligatory to provide succour for those who yielded to its request to offer their land and properties in the overriding public interest.
Olowoshago said the ceremony marked the second phase of compensation for those affected by the land acquisition.
He said: “This exercise is a continuation of the compensation scheme previously held in 2024.
“This further underscores the consistency of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in fulfilling the statutory obligation to citizens whose properties and interests have been affected by public infrastructure projects.
