The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced on Sunday that N18 billion has been allocated to compensate affected property owners on section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. Umahi emphasized that all individuals on the compensation list for this section must receive their payments within the next 10 days.

During a stakeholder engagement covering both sections 1 and 2 of the coastal road, Umahi expressed frustration regarding the compensation process, stating that his hands are tied by legal obligations. “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,” he remarked, acknowledging that he has also faced property loss due to similar arrangements.

He further explained that while an initial compensation budget of N8 billion was approved by the Federal Executive Council, the total allocation has now reached N18 billion based on recommendations from the Bureau of Public Procurement. In an effort to maintain transparency, Umahi pledged to publish detailed information regarding the compensation, including names, pictures, dimensions, and associated costs. He also mentioned that there are over ten compensation-related cases currently in court, and the ministry will comply with the court’s decisions, potentially appealing to the Supreme Court to strengthen democracy on this issue.

Umahi noted that 50% of the compensation has already been paid, directing Olukorede Keisha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, to prioritize the interests of affected individuals by expediting the remaining payments without waiting for further approvals.

Additionally, the minister announced the termination of several projects due to execution delays. He highlighted the reallocation of contracts on projects like the Lokoja-Benin corridor and the Lagos-Ibadan phase two. “I would rather be seen as strict than allow people to suffer from unproductive projects left stagnant for over a decade,” he stated.

Addressing concerns about infrastructure, Umahi indicated that ₦341 billion has been recommended to address potential structural disasters on critical bridges, including the Third Mainland Bridge. He raised alarms about significant deterioration, particularly from saltwater exposure, which has led to corrosion of reinforcement in pile caps.

Umahi pointed out that maintenance neglect has plagued many structures, some of which are 50 to 60 years old and have never been properly maintained. He explained that issues like chlorination and carbonation due to saltwater infiltration have exacerbated the situation, and the ministry is consulting international experts to explore solutions.

The minister also highlighted the challenges posed by illegal sand mining and underwater currents, which have weakened the structures supporting bridges over time. Evaluations from 1999 to 2019 have shown progressive structural decay, prompting Julius Berger and independent consultants to assess the condition of pile caps for a comprehensive design solution.

In closing, Umahi thanked the National Assembly for their engagement in discussions regarding the 2025 budget, expressing optimism that their collaboration would lead to the identification of priority projects and realistic budget allocations. With the continued support of the President, he is confident in delivering on these commitments.