FG has paid N18bn in compensation for Phase 1 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has refuted claims that the Federal Government demolished properties belonging to Landmark Africa during the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, clarifying that no part of Landmark’s core infrastructure was affected.
Umahi made the clarification on Saturday during the official inauguration of Phase 1 of the highway project in Lagos by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Landmark Africa, operators of Landmark Beach, had previously alleged that its property, valued in the billions, was destroyed during the highway construction and demanded compensation.
However, addressing the matter publicly in the presence of the President, Umahi maintained that Landmark’s main property was not touched, explaining that only encroachments on the federal shoreline were cleared.
“Mr. President, I want to state clearly that we did not harm Landmark’s property,” the minister said. “What was removed was their encroachment on the Federal Government’s shoreline. The Supreme Court has ruled that 250 metres from the shoreline belong to the Federal Government. We acted within this law.”
He added that the Federal Government went as far as adjusting parts of the highway’s alignment to protect existing infrastructure, based on President Tinubu’s directive to minimize disruptions.
“As you drive along, you’ll notice where this dual carriageway splits. That was done under your instruction, sir, to preserve as much infrastructure as possible, even though some structures were built on the gazetted right of way,” Umahi explained.
The minister also revealed that President Tinubu had instructed governors of states through which the highway passes to reserve a minimum of 500 metres from the edge of the road for right of way and tolling purposes.
While the law exempts the Federal Government from compensating for illegal structures and shanties, Umahi said the President insisted that affected persons be compensated.
“As of today, we have paid N18 billion in compensation for Phase 1 of this project,” he stated.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a flagship infrastructure project expected to boost tourism, improve regional connectivity, and drive economic growth along Nigeria’s coastal corridor.
