By Magnus Effiong
Property owners and farmers affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway have commended the federal government for the transparent manner in which it is carrying out the compensation exercise.
Beneficiaries and community leaders in Odukpani and Akamkpa local government areas of Cross River state, which is the Section 3A of the project, who spoke during the exercise described the process as transparent, peaceful, and unprecedented in scale.
Bassey Okon Edet, Secretary of the Akamkpa Traditional Rulers Council, who represented the Paramount Ruler at the payment venue, said the level of transparency was unprecedented.
According to him, the project would bring major economic benefits—including increased land value, business expansion, job opportunities, and improved connectivity.
“This is the first time compensation is being paid in this manner and such huge amounts are being received directly by the people. The format is commendable. The claimants are happy because their properties were well valued,” he said.
Edet added that communities had resolved to prevent the past practice where people erect new structures on government-acquired land just to make fresh claims.
“Anyone attempting such will be treated as a saboteur. Village councils and youth leaders have been held responsible to ensure no such thing happens again,” he assured.
Also speaking, His Highness Akom Asuquo Effiong of Nkitta community in Odukpani LGA described the exercise as “successful and peaceful,” emphasizing that the community was committed to securing construction equipment and personnel.
“We will not allow anyone to tamper with anything so the work can go on smoothly. We are happy with the compensation and even happier that the project passes through our land,” he said.
Engr. Yinka Onafuye, Federal Comptroller of Works, Cross River State and Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Works, who is overseeing the process, said the exercise is progressing well and has already been concluded in Akamkpa.
“The exercise is going well. We have been able to capture almost 700 to 1,000 affected persons depending on their property and claims. The valuers have done their work; our mandate is to ensure payment is made correctly,” he said.
He confirmed that both Awi and Njagachang communities in Akamkpa have received their payments, while payments are still being processed in Odukpani, which includes over ten affected communities such as Ikot Okon Akiba, Oduyana, Atan, Ekemkpo, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekong, Nkitta, and Ekong Atan Oku, among others.
Engr. Onafuye, however, noted delays caused by the inability of many beneficiaries to present bank accounts or valid identification.
“Some do not have account numbers or means of identification. We cannot pay through proxies. We insisted that every beneficiary must open a personal account. So we brought Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, UBA, and others to enrol them right on site,” he explained.
He said the Ministry also stopped the earlier practice where valuers collected payments on behalf of claimants.
“We received a directive from headquarters to stop all third-party payments. Cheques already issued to consultants were withdrawn. We now capture each claimant afresh, take their details, and send directly to the contractor for payment,” he added.
Engr. Onafuye disclosed that the last batch submitted to the contractor amounted to nearly ₦1 billion, explaining that such large disbursements require due diligence, which sometimes slows down the process.
He assured that many beneficiaries would begin receiving their funds between today and tomorrow.
On the progress of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway itself, Engr. Onofuye revealed that the project is already 15% completed, with nearly one kilometre of the concrete road pavement (CRCP) already laid.
“The project has a duration of three to four years. You cannot complete such a project in six months. But construction is ongoing despite weather challenges. Contractors will only break briefly for Christmas and New Year,” he said.
