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Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG set up panel to pay compensation in 10 days
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.”
News
Police Invites APC Senator Over ‘Kill Accord’ Comment As CP Reads Riot Act
The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over his alleged comment directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party during the state governorship election.
The summons followed the circulation of a video on social media in which the senator, while speaking in Yoruba during an APC campaign in Ilesa on Tuesday, allegedly made the controversial remarks.
In a letter dated August 11, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Elections, Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, the command invited Fadahunsi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the statements.
The senator was directed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, at 11am on Wednesday, August 12.
The letter said the invitation was based on information available to the police alleging that Fadahunsi made statements considered “threatening, inciting and intimidating” during the campaign.
It added that the alleged statement had been circulated on various electronic and social media platforms.
Senator clarifies comment
Fadahunsi, in the video, was heard speaking in Yoruba and allegedly telling APC supporters to kill members of the Accord Party if they encountered them during the electoral process.
Following the backlash generated by the video, however, the senator’s team said his comment was misinterpreted.
In a statement titled, “Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence,” the team said the senator was calling on APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through the ballot box.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement said.
It described the senator’s remark as a call for supporters to “overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means” during the August 15 governorship election.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
Adeleke has repeatedly accused the APC of using thugs to attack his supporters, allegations the party has disputed.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Commissioner for Election, Samuel Etaifo, has warned politicians to refrain from using violence and inciteful comments as the state heads to the governorship election on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Wednesday, the police commissioner condemned the alleged comment, saying the politicians must exercise restraint at this critical period.
“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” he said.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values, CP Etaifo emphasised that the Police will not tolerate any act, utterance, or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace, or threatening the security of the state.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.
News
NiMet Names 13 States To Experience Flood In August
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of possible flash floods in 13 states between August 11 and 20, 2026.
NiMet issued the warning in an advisory posted on its X handle listing Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as states at high risk.
The agency said the outlook was based on forecast rainfall intensity, soil moisture, drainage capacity, terrain and dam characteristics.
It said the advisory was intended to support early preparedness, emergency response and disaster risk reduction.
NiMet warned that flash floods could occur in flood-prone, low-lying, urban and riverside communities, with possible impacts including road closures, traffic congestion and transport disruptions.
It also warned that flooding could temporarily disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, while heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and affect road and aviation operations.
According to the agency, waterlogging could damage farmlands, crops and livestock, while flash floods could destroy roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure.
It added that stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
NiMet advised residents to follow weather forecasts and flood alerts from the agency and emergency management authorities.
It urged the public to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing water, and advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and be prepared to relocate to safer locations if necessary.
The agency also urged emergency management authorities to strengthen surveillance, pre-position response teams and maintain emergency preparedness.
It advised farmers to improve drainage on their farms and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood-prone areas.
News
CAIDOV Challenges Stakeholders Over Peaceful Election In Osun
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence – CAIDOV has called on all stakeholders in Osun State to prioritize peace, fairness, and the rule of law as the state approaches its election.
As a human rights and justice organization, CAIDOV urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC, traditional rulers, and voters to shun violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and all forms of electoral malpractice
In the statement by CAIDOV signed by Its Executive Director Gbenga Soloki stated
“Osun people deserve an election that reflects their true will. We want a peaceful election in Osun — free, fair, credible, and devoid of bloodshed. A peaceful Osun will guarantee prosperity for all.The ballot should be the only weapon. Any act of violence or injustice undermines democracy and hurts the very citizens we seek to serve.”
CAIDOV specifically urged Security Agencies to remain neutral, professional, and protect voters, materials, and officials.
INEC according to CAIDOV should ensure transparency and timely delivery of materials,while
Political Actors are enjoined to play by the rules and accept outcomes in good faith.
CAIDOV called on Voters to come out peacefully, vote, and protect their votes without fear
We also urge civil society, media, and community leaders to preach tolerance and de-escalate tensions.
CAIDOV will be monitoring compliance with electoral laws and report any cases of injustice or violence.
_Let the voice of Osun people be heard peacefully. Democracy thrives where peace reigns._
*Signed:*
*Gbenga Soloki*
Executive Director, CAIDOV
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