Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented more than ₦3.1 billion in compensation to over 300 property owners whose land and buildings were acquired for strategic infrastructure projects across the state.
Sanwo-Olu presented the compensation to the affected residents at a ceremony held in Lagos on Monday, describing the payment as the lawful entitlement of verified property owners rather than an act of generosity by the government.
The governor said the exercise demonstrated his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency and the protection of citizens’ property rights in accordance with the Land Use Act.
According to him, whenever the government acquires private land for overriding public purposes, it assumes both a legal and moral responsibility to compensate those affected fairly and promptly.
“Today’s exercise is not charity; it is justice. It is not a favour; it is the rightful entitlement of every verified project-affected person whose property was acquired for public purpose,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He explained that all claims submitted by the beneficiaries were subjected to established procedures, including the enumeration of affected properties, professional valuation and verification of ownership documents.
The process, he said, was designed to ensure that compensation was paid only to legitimate beneficiaries and that public funds did not end up in the hands of persons with fraudulent or unverified claims.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the government recognised the personal and economic consequences of compulsory land acquisition, stressing that every affected property represented a family, livelihood or investment.
He said development should not be pursued without considering the immediate hardship imposed on people whose properties must give way for public infrastructure.
“Behind every parcel of land is a family, a livelihood and a story. Development must always have a human face, and that is the principle guiding this administration,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the acquired land would be used for the construction of roads, schools and other public infrastructure intended to improve mobility, economic activity and the quality of life of Lagos residents.
While acknowledging that the projects would ultimately benefit millions of people, Sanwo-Olu said the government could not ignore the sacrifices made by those who suffered the immediate loss of their properties.
He thanked the beneficiaries for their patience and cooperation during the acquisition, enumeration, valuation and verification processes.
“Infrastructure may benefit millions, but the government must never ignore those who bear the immediate impact. We acknowledge your sacrifice and appreciate your partnership in building a greater Lagos,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu advised the beneficiaries to use the compensation judiciously by investing in businesses, housing and other ventures capable of securing the long-term welfare of their families.
He cautioned them against spending the money on non-essential items that would provide no lasting economic benefit.
The governor also warned beneficiaries against offering money, gifts or any form of inducement to public officials involved in processing the compensation.
He maintained that the civil servants who handled the exercise had carried out their responsibilities professionally and were available to assist the beneficiaries without demanding gratification.
“Our officers are available to guide you professionally without demanding any gratification,” he said.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, commended the affected property owners for their patience throughout the process.
Hamzat assured them that the Sanwo-Olu administration would continue to pursue development projects with compassion and respect for the rights of residents.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamal Olowosago, described the payment as another demonstration of the government’s commitment to accountability, fairness and the rule of law in land administration.
Olowosago recalled that the latest presentation followed an earlier compensation exercise held on December 12, 2024.
He said the successive payments showed that the state government remained consistent in fulfilling its statutory obligations to persons whose properties were acquired for public projects.
“This exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law in the administration of land resources,” he said.
The permanent secretary acknowledged that major infrastructure remained essential to economic growth and improved living standards but maintained that development must be balanced with justice, equity and respect for citizens’ rights.
He praised the affected property owners for cooperating with government officials throughout the acquisition and compensation processes, noting that their sacrifices would contribute to projects expected to serve present and future generations of Lagos residents.
Olowosago also commended officials of the Lands Bureau, particularly personnel in the acquisition, reconciliation and compensation departments, for ensuring that the exercise was transparent and credible.
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