As the demolition of properties along the right of way for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway begins, the Federal Government has promised to conduct the process with sensitivity, aiming to minimize disruptions to the lives of those affected.
Minister of works, David Umahi, emphasized the importance of this approach, highlighting that the highway’s construction signifies a significant step in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification, while reassuring that compensation for affected property owners will be promptly provided without delays.
He gave this assurance in a statement on Sunday by his media adviser, Uchenna Orji, during the flag-off of the demolition of properties affected by the right of way on section 1 of the 700km highway being handled by Hitech Construction Company Ltd.
The minister, however, stressed the federal government’s concern for the well-being of the people while assuring that the demolition process along the right of way would be carried out with a human face.
Requesting the cooperation of the affected individuals regarding the timeline of the demolition exercise, Umahi said: “We are doing some minor adjustments, and our commitment is to stay within the coastline.
“When the initial demolition order was passed to all the affected investors, so to speak, I graciously increased the period to another seven days and yet another 4 days, and here we are because the project stopped because of the part of this demolition, and I want to commend the likes of Mr Bolaji.
“This demolition is going to have a pure human face and so with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to God Almighty and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in our infrastructural development in particular, I wish to flag-off this demolition exercise to get a right of way within the coastal corridor which is the legitimate right of the Federal Government.”
While calling on all those to be affected by the exercise to take it as a sacrifice for the ultimate impact of the project on the economic prosperity of the nation, the minister highlighted the socio-economic advantages of the project, which include cost savings for entrepreneurs and the stability it will instill in the economy.
Umahi also urged antagonists of the project to reconsider their stance for the betterment of all Nigerians, saying, “For those playing politics with this economic enhancing project, those who are playing politics with this can go ahead. My job is simple, just to pass the coastal road and those who are into politics can continue”.
Speaking during the event, Bolaji Ariyo (Mami Chula), a property owner affected by the demolition, who acknowledged that the project would impact his business, however, expressed his willingness to make sacrifices for the greater benefit of the millions of Nigerians whose livelihoods would be positively influenced by the project upon completion.
He urged other individuals affected by the project to view it as a sacrifice for the collective benefit of all Nigerians, saying, “Yeah, some of us are affected, no doubt about it. But some of us are not up to 0.1% of the millions of people that we enjoy the coastal road.
“That’s why someone like me and some others also have taken it to heart to also support Mr. President and the Honourable Minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”
(The Nation)