The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Sunday, announced an allocation of N18 billion as compensation for property owners impacted by Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
According to The PUNCH, Umahi assured that all individuals on the compensation list for this section would receive their payments within 10 days.
His statements were part of a stakeholder engagement covering both Sections 1 and 2 of the coastal highway project.
Addressing concerns about the compensation process, Umahi emphasized the constraints he faces under existing laws to ensure fair compensation for those affected.
He shared his frustration with the complexities of the compensation process but acknowledged the legal mandates involved.
He stated, “I wouldn’t have been able to respond if you had asked me this question earlier. But let me say clearly and emphatically that I’m quite frustrated with this situation. However, my hands are tied by the law. I understand that I’ve already lost some properties to arrangements like this.
“It’s incredibly challenging to pay for this, but when facing legal obligations, one is bound to comply. We have engaged professionals to handle this process, and the Federal Executive Council approved an initial compensation budget of N8bn for this section, based on the recommendation by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
“But today, we are reaching N18bn, that’s where we are now. I am going to publish all details for transparency, including the names, pictures, dimensions, and costs involved. However, there are over 10 cases related to compensation in court, and we will comply with whatever decisions the court makes. We will go to the Supreme Court if necessary to strengthen our democracy and seek final judgment on this matter.
“There is a legal basis for this, though I’m not a legal expert; we consulted experts for that, and 50 per cent of the compensation has already been paid. I have directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, to avoid waiting for further approvals from the Federal Executive Council, as the interests of the affected individuals must be prioritized. Those affected should be able to access their funds for relocation. Therefore, within the next 10 days, we will complete 100 per cent of the payments as documented by our enumerators.”
Furthermore, Umahi revealed that several contracts were terminated due to contractors’ delays, including multiple segments of the Lokoja-Benin road project.
“We have terminated several projects, including three sections of the Lokoja-Benin corridor, after consultation with the Bureau of Public Procurement to reassign these through selective tendering. The Lagos-Ibadan phase two, assigned to two contractors, has also been terminated and is being reassigned.
“Section three of the Kano-Maiduguri project is progressing slowly, and while the contractor calls me ‘wicked’ for terminating such projects, I would rather be seen as strict than allow people to suffer from unproductive projects left stagnant for over a decade. There’s no personal motive in these actions.”
Regarding structural maintenance, Umahi warned of significant issues on key bridges, including the Third Mainland Bridge, where the neglect of maintenance has led to severe structural concerns.
He stated, “Regarding the Second Niger Bridge and other bridges, we’ve recommended ₦341bn to address potential structural disasters. For example, on the Third Mainland Bridge, while it appears well-maintained on top, severe issues exist below the deck and even more so underwater.
“The deflection of slabs, buckling of piers, and detachment of pile caps are concerning. Saltwater exposure has caused significant deterioration over time, and this has affected the reinforcement of the pile caps.”
He cited factors such as illegal sand mining and underwater currents as major contributors to the erosion and weakening of bridge foundations across the country.
Umahi further explained that independent consultants, alongside Julius Berger, were assessing these structures for a comprehensive repair solution, which would soon be presented to both the federal government and the National Assembly.
“We’re also implementing rigorous assessments of contractor equipment. Some contractors are hoarding multiple projects up to 20 and have yet to make significant progress. If any contractor lacks the equipment promised in their bid, we’ll revoke their contract to maintain accountability,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Umahi expressed gratitude for the National Assembly’s involvement in planning for the 2025 budget.
Their focus on identifying priority projects would, he noted, enable his ministry to set and achieve practical goals.
“With the President’s unwavering support, I’m confident we will deliver on these commitments,” Umahi affirmed.
