The Lagos State Government has paid N3 billion in compensation to 331 property owners whose lands were acquired for strategic road projects, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declaring that infrastructure development must be pursued with fairness, transparency and respect for citizens’ rights.
Presenting the compensation cheques on Monday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the governor said the exercise reflected his administration’s resolve to ensure that no resident bears the burden of development without receiving due compensation.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that while the government is empowered under the Land Use Act to acquire land for overriding public interest, it also has a constitutional, legal and moral obligation to compensate affected owners promptly.
“Development must always have a human face,” the governor said, describing the payments as “justice, not charity” and reaffirming that every acquired property represents a family’s investment, livelihood and future.
He disclosed that all beneficiaries underwent a comprehensive verification process involving property enumeration, valuation by certified estate surveyors and verification of title documents to ensure that only legitimate claimants received compensation.
According to him, the acquired properties will pave the way for critical road infrastructure designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate commerce and support Lagos’ growing economy.
Sanwo-Olu also assured residents whose claims are still being processed that no genuine beneficiary would be left out, while warning that fraudulent claims would be detected through the state’s verification mechanisms. He urged recipients to invest the compensation wisely to secure their future and rebuild their lives.
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