Demolition: Lagos sets aside N6bn for compensation of 2,000 property owners

The Lagos State government has set aside the sum N6billion for the compensation of property owners affected by the demolition to pave way for various infrastructural development projects across the state and has called on all property owners to present relevant document for adequate compensation.

Special Adviser, Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule and the Permanent Secretary Lagos Lands Bureau, Mr. Bode Agoro made the call at the weekend, during the commencement of validation process of owners of affected properties for compensation at the Ministry of Lands Bureau, Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Onabule, processing of the payment of compensation which is a priority of the present government, followed detailed inventory, enumeration, evaluation exercises and analysis of submitted documents for compensation of house owners whose structures were demolished for construction of infrastructure.

The beneficiaries, she listed, includes: Orile/Badagry road expansion, Agric-Ishawo Road in Ikorodu, Epe Road expansion project, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Free Trade Zone Resettlement Land and Adiyan Waterworks Phase II, Otingbo, Irede, Igbogbo, among others.

She stressed that the administration of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has been benevolent in dealing with owners and developers whose structures were affected by the construction or reconstruction of road projects and other forms of infrastructural development in the state.

Onabule said, “Through his benevolence, Governor Ambode has set aside the sum of N6 billion for the first phase of compensation to victims. About 2,000 property owners have been identified for compensation and the exercise is ongoing.

“As part of state government’s unwavering determination to transform Lagos State and deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of the state, the government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has continued to embark on sustained efforts toward effective and efficient planning, knowing full well that planning is the pathway to improved standard of living, economic vibrancy, social stability, tourist and investor-friendly environment.

“The state government will continue to “Plan for all with all”- developers, owners, occupiers and professionals in the built environment to show that the lives of Lagosians matter. In this wise, I wish to solicit for the cooperation of all to adhere strictly to planning and building laws, by following the simple steps to planning and constructing buildings certified, complete and fit for habitation.

“I hereby advise property owners and developers who are yet to submit their documents to do so, as a matter of urgency for necessary action.”

Earlier, Agoro explained that the payment of compensation which is not a one off, but a continuous process is being done according to the provisions of the Land Use Act. The act provides that when government acquires land for public use, it has the obligation to pay compensation to those people affected by such relocation.

He also urged claimants to come forward with their Bank Verification Number, BVN as a pre-requisite for the collection of compensation.

According to Agoro, “Such compensation is calculated also according to the Act which also provides that if the land is clear, government is liable to pay only the ground rent payable on the property. But if there is a structure on the land, payment will be made according to the value of the structure through the formula of the Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.”