By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented ₦3.1 billion in compensation to 331 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) whose lands and properties were acquired for major infrastructure projects across the state.
The beneficiaries, including owners of filling stations, private schools, mosques, residential buildings and business premises, received cheques during a ceremony held on Monday at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa.
The compensation covers properties acquired for projects such as the Igbe–Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way in Ikorodu, the Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road realignment, the rehabilitation of strategic roads in Epe, and the construction of Hospital Road in Badagry, among others.
Sanwo-Olu said the acquisitions were carried out under Sections 28 and 29 of the Land Use Act for overriding public interest, stressing that the government had a legal and moral responsibility to compensate affected property owners fairly and transparently.
“Today, we are presenting cheques totalling ₦3.1 billion to 331 Project Affected Persons whose land and property were acquired for strategic road projects across our state,” the governor said.
He noted that the compensation exercise reflects his administration’s commitment to responsible governance, insisting that development must always consider the welfare of affected communities.
“We believe behind every development corridor is a community. Behind every parcel of land is a story. Behind every acquisition are individuals whose lives are directly touched by the decisions of government,” he said.
Describing the payments as a matter of justice rather than charity, Sanwo-Olu said all claims were subjected to thorough verification, including enumeration, professional valuation and title confirmation, to ensure compensation was paid only to legitimate property owners.
The governor acknowledged that the financial compensation could not fully reflect the sacrifices made by those who gave up their properties but commended the beneficiaries for supporting projects aimed at improving road connectivity, reducing travel time and boosting economic activities across the state.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamal Olowoshago, said the exercise marked the second phase of compensation for residents affected by government land acquisitions.
According to him, the exercise demonstrates the state’s commitment to fairness, transparency, accountability and compliance with the law in managing land acquisition for public infrastructure.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, members of the Lagos State Executive Council, permanent secretaries, traditional rulers from the affected communities, beneficiaries and their families.
