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Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG set up panel to pay compensation in 10 days

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The Federal Government had inaugurated a compensation verification committee saddled with the responsibility of reviewing, evaluating and compensating landowners affected by the construction of the N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who inaugurated the panel, also directed the committee to complete all verification and begin remuneration in 10 days ending April 28.

The move was part of efforts to hasten construction of the project set to revolutionise infrastructure in the country.

Umahi said verified claims would be settled within 72 hours by the contractor, Hitech Construction Limited, but remained silent on the total amount approved for the exercise.

The 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project has been a subject of public scrutiny, following concerns by affected stakeholders and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the cost, bidding and procurement processes.

The road designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River, estimated to gulp over N4bn per Kilometer.

The works minister, while inaugurating the committee at the ministry headquarters in Abuja, said the gesture was in line with the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu which is transparency.

He, however, warned that only property owners with proven titles would receive compensation, while shanties and those with property within the 250m shoreline setback without a federal government title would not be compensated, as it is a legal matter.

He said the committee was responsible for engaging with affected property owners, assessing compensation details, and potentially visiting the sites for proper evaluation.

He further added that the federal rate on compensation would be used to determine the amount and not a lower figure by the Lagos State government.

Umahi said, “We are committed to transparency and that is why we are inaugurating this committee today. We have had our alignment on both sections of phase one of the coastal road which is 47.7 km and the second section which is about 55km. Hence the need to set up a review committee to look at the work done by the environmental assessment team and the works to be reviewed by this committee is very simple. It is just to interact with property owners that are going to be affected and then in the process, look at the compensation as enumerated to be paid and when possible, you visit the site; and at the moment we are using the federal rate to do our remuneration.”

He further explained, “I know very well that no amount given will satisfy those affected but we are bound by the law so we are using the federal rate which is higher than Lagos State compensation rate in paying compensation. The moment the property owners sign, after filing necessary documents and bank accounts, within 72 hours, we will authorise payment.

“The contractor is going to be paying directly to all those who are affected. This, we are committed to doing, this verification exercise starts in Lagos on Wednesday.”

Umahi said that apart from verifying those to be paid, the committee would also verify the dimensions and make calculations based on the area and volume.

“So only those that have proven titles will be paid as they are brought to us in the ministry, although, it will still undergo some processes from us.

“We have to make it very clear that 250 metres of the road legally belongs to the federal government.

“So if you have a title within these 250 metres and it is not a title from the federal government, then it is incumbent, and only the President will give a waiver if he so feels for payment. So I will work within the confines of the law,” he said

Tasking the committee to be diligent in adhering to the dictates of the law, he said, “The committee is not in charge of ramp or anything but just to verify those who are going to be paid compensation, the authenticity of those filing for compensation, verify the dimensions, where possible, the amount and in their presence where the property owner signed, once these are authenticated, we direct the contractor to go ahead and pay.

“It is from the contractor’s money the compensation is routed.

“But where there is a title problem, it will need a Presidential waiver for such to be paid. It is only those with proven titles that will be paid as they are brought to us in the Ministry; because they will still undergo all the verification processes.

“So anyone with a title within the 250m and is not a federal government title, then it is incumbent that only the President can give a waiver if he feels so for the person to be paid. So, I will work within the confines of the law.”

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Kinsmen Defend INEC Boss, Calls For National Restraint

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PRESS STATEMENT
From: Okun Development Association (ODA)

 

The Okun Development Association (ODA), on behalf of Okun sons and daughters worldwide, extend sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
GCFR, for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, as Chairman of the
Independent National Electoral Commission. (INEC). We receive this decision as a clear
endorsement of competence and character, and as a call to national service, anchored on
merit. The confidence reposed in Prof. Amupitan SAN, is an honour to Okunland, to Kogi
State, and to every Nigerian who believes that public office should reward integrity and
capacity.

ODA declares, without reservations, our unflinching support for Prof. Joash Amupitan
SAN, as he assumes leadership of INEC at a defining moment in our nation’s democratic
journey. His public and academic record reflect uncommon discipline, fidelity to due
process, and abiding respect for institutions. In every assignment he has handled, Prof.
Amupitan SAN, has shown the temperament, intellectual depth, and moral courage
required to manage sensitive national duties with fairness and firmness. We are assured
that these qualities will guide his stewardship of the Commission.

Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, personifies the values Okunland holds dear: honesty, hard
work, humility, and service above self. As a scholar, he has raised generations of
Nigerians who today serve in critical sectors of our society. As an administrator, he has
built systems that outlast individuals.

His commitment to strong, impartial institutions is exactly what INEC requires to
consolidate public trust. We are confident that under his leadership, the Commission will
discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, and that his tenure will
strengthen the credibility of our electoral process.

ODA is mindful that the office of INEC Chairman will always attract intense public
scrutiny. While such scrutiny is part of democracy, we respectfully remind all
stakeholders, political actors, and concerned citizens that Nigeria’s constitutional order
provides established channels for resolving disputes. We therefore urge any aggrieved
parties to ventilate their concerns through the appropriate legal and institutional
mechanisms. We call for restraint in public commentary and ask all Nigerians to grant
Prof. Amupitan the calm and institutional space needed to serve the nation with neutrality,
courage and desired result.

The Okun Development Association reaffirms its commitment to national unity,
democratic stability, and the success of the Tinubu administration. We assure the
President and the Nigerian people that Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, will discharge his
responsibilities with honour, will bring credibility and candour to his office, to Okunland,
and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We request the prayers and goodwill of all citizens
as he undertakes this solemn duty for the nation.

God bless Okunland.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Amb. (Chief) Akenson Rotimi
President General,
Okun Development Association.
President-General: Amb. Akenson Rotimi
08075259447

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Authorities Shut Four Lagos Properties for Illegal Wastewater Disposal

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The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed four properties across Ikotun and Ajah for illegally discharging untreated wastewater into public spaces.

 

The enforcement action, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, targeted two residential properties at 13, Oritola Street and 1, Temitope Street, Pipeline, Ikotun.

The commissioner for the environment, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the development on X on Thursday, added that a public toilet and a mechanic workshop along Badore Road, Ajah, were also sealed on Thursday.

Wahab said the Ikotun properties were sealed following public complaints, repeated warnings and verified findings from an investigation.

Some of the sealed locations. Photo: Tokunbo Wahab on X
He said the owners had been deliberately channelling untreated wastewater through pipes onto roads.

“The present situation, which remains unabated, showed that the properties were deliberately releasing untreated wastewater into the environment through pipes onto the roads, thereby constituting public nuisance,” he said.

The Ajah premises were shut over what the agency described as “indiscriminate discharge of wastewater into the public drain and the environment.”

Wahab warned that the crackdown would continue, saying individuals and organisations found violating environmental regulations would face appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution under enabling laws.

 

 

“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices.

“Individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” Wahab added.oads, thereby constituting public nuisance,” he said.

The The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed four properties across Ikotun and Ajah for illegally discharging untreated wastewater into public spaces.

The enforcement action, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, targeted two residential properties at 13, Oritola Street and 1, Temitope Street, Pipeline, Ikotun.

The commissioner for the environment, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the development on X on Thursday, added that a public toilet and a mechanic workshop along Badore Road, Ajah, were also sealed on Thursday.

Wahab said the Ikotun properties were sealed following public complaints, repeated warnings and verified findings from an investigation.Ajah premises were shut over what the agency described as “indiscriminate discharge of wastewater into the public drain and the environment.”

Wahab warned that the crackdown would continue, saying individuals and organisations found violating environmental regulations would face appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution under enabling laws.

“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices.

“Individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” Wahab added.

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Egunjobi’s Track Record of Road Development Strengthens Reps Bid – Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola

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Former Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Kola Egunjobi, has emerged as a strong contender for the House of Representatives, with his extensive record of road construction and rehabilitation projects widely cited as a key reason he deserves to represent Agege Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber.

 

During his tenure in Agege, Lagos State, Egunjobi initiated and delivered a broad range of road projects aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating local economic activities.

These projects, executed through new construction, rehabilitation, and interlocking stone paving, were strategically spread across the council area to address critical infrastructure gaps and long-standing community needs.

Notably, his administration constructed several new roads, including: Awori/Adesokan Street, Union Road in Dopemu, Alagbigba Street with streetlights, and Taiwo Street, also equipped with streetlights.

Similarly, Oniwaya Market Road, Sanni Omomeji Street, Abudu Oladejo Street, Shodipo Street, Ishola Yusuf Street, and Ogunjobi Street were completed, thereby easing movement and enhancing commercial access within key parts of the locality.

Furthermore, the administration rehabilitated Ashade Ogba Road, while also extending development to: Majaro Street, Oshungboye Keke Road, Humani Street, Onibeju Street, Imam Ojoku Street, Alowonle Street, and Ajibose Street. In the same vein, projects such as Elicana Phase 1, Ajakaiye Street, Arigidi/Sonaya Street, Adegbola Street, Adeniyi Street, Onilude Street, Okanlawon Street, Old Union Street, Onafuwa Street, and Abolore Phase 1 were successfully delivered.

In addition, construction works covered Anuoluwapo Street, Ashafa Street, Oredapo Street, Mayaka Street, Sarumi Alawo Street, Akerele Street, Ashiata Street, Abeje Street, Ashaolu Street, and Kosoko Street.

Significantly, Adebari Street was both constructed and interlocked, while Olowo Street benefitted from a combination of construction, installation of streetlights, and the provision of a security house, reflecting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure and safety.

Residents and stakeholders have continued to acknowledge the impact of these projects.

A community leader noted that the roads “greatly improved accessibility and supported economic activities across several neighbourhoods,” adding that many previously inaccessible areas have now been opened up.

Consequently, political observers maintain that Egunjobi’s infrastructure footprint underscores his administrative capacity and grassroots appeal.

They argued that his performance in office provides a solid foundation for legislative representation.

As the contest for the Green Chamber intensifies, supporters insist that his track record in road development remains a defining factor, positioning him as a candidate capable of attracting meaningful progress and sustained development for Agege at the national level.

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