The Federal Government has announced plans to compensate property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that an amount totaling N2.75 billion would be disbursed to affected individuals.

During a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos State, Umahi confirmed that the compensation, amounting to N2.75 billion, would be paid on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

He further indicated that additional compensation would be provided in the coming days.

The demolition commenced following Umahi’s inspection of various sections of the coastal area, including kilometres 13, 16, and 20, to determine the most viable route for the highway construction with minimal damage.

In response to the demolition, a statement from Landmark Africa, the parent company of the affected beach, lamented the destruction of their investment worth approximately $200 million. The statement read, “What we built in six years was destroyed in six hours.” Despite the setback, they expressed determination to rebuild.

Previously, Landmark owner, Paul Onwuanibe, appealed to the government to revert the construction of the coastal road to its original alignment before being redirected to the beachfront.

He argued that the original plan would not only preserve businesses but also save costs and manpower for the government.

“The original alignment of the coastal road was Water Corporation Road,” Onwuanibe explained. “Instead of running on the land side of Landmark, it’s going to run on the beach side of Landmark.”