KUNLE OLUTAYO
NIGERIA: The Federal Government has commenced the demolition of properties affected by the right of way on section 1 of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway.
Speaking at the flag-off of the exercise, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, assured that the construction of Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway being handled by the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu would mark a major milestone in the Renewed Hope roadmap towards economic diversification.
He said that the Federal Government is passionate about the plight of the people and would, in the exercise of the right of way, put a human face in the demotion of properties required to give way for the construction of the coastal highway
Umahi further assured that the federal government was considering the most economically viable way to pass the coastal road without much damage.
This is s he also reassured that there would be no delay in the payment of compensation to the property owners entitled to compensation but solicited their cooperation to the timeline of the demolition exercise.
“We are doing some minor adjustments, and our commitment is to stay within the coastline. When the initial demolition order was passed to all the affected investors, so to speak, I graciously increased the period to another seven days and yet another 4 days, and here we are because the project stopped because of the part of this demolition.
“This demolition is going to have a pure human face and so with the utmost fear of God.
“I wish to flag-off this demolition exercise to get a right of way within the coastal corridor which is the legitimate right of the Federal Government.”
The Minister, however, called on all those affected by the demolition exercise to take it as a sacrifice for the ultimate impact of the project on the economic prosperity of the nation.
He highlighted the socio- economic benefits of the project, including the money it will save for businessmen and women and the stability it will bring to the economy.
For those playing politics with the economic enhancing project, he said, “Those who are playing politics with this can go ahead. My job is simple, just to pass the coastal road and those who are into politics can continue..”
Speaking during the event, one of the affected property owners, Balaji Ariyo, said the demolition would no doubt affect his business but he had no option than to make sacrifice for the greater good of millions of Nigerians whose livelihood would be impacted by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which has a spur that connects South to North.
He urged all those to be affected by the demolition to see it as a sacrifice for the good of all Nigerians.
“Yeah, some of us are affected, no doubt about it. But some of us are not up to 0.1% of the millions of people that will enjoy the coastal road. That’s why someone like me and some others also have taken it to heart to also support Mr. President and the Minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”
He noted that the coastal highway has the potential to create greater vistas of opportunities for businesses and other human development initiatives that would benefit a greater number of Nigerians.
“As humans, those affected will feel the pain, but the future of the country must be put first. And some of us are paying the price in good faith. So we are human, we feel the pain. But at the same time, if you look at the longer picture, you realize that it will benefit everyone. It’s more than the benefit of one person. Yes, we are sitting on a lot of money, a lot of money being recouped here. But at the same time, it is not worth the enjoyment or the free access of every other Nigerian that will ply the road. So the Minister has already lectured me so well and has consoled me so many times.”
However, the Minister revealed that the demolition exercise will continue as the Committee of the Federal Ministry of Works on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 1 Compensation, headed by the Federal Controller of Works Lagos State, Engr. (Mrs.) Olukorede Iyabo Kesha would work round the clock to ensure that payment of compensation to the affected property owners begins in earnest in a matter of days.
