By Olasunkanmi Akoni
LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has disbursed over ₦3.1 billion as compensation to more than 300 landowners whose properties were acquired for various public infrastructure projects across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who presented the compensation cheques to the beneficiaries on Monday at Alausa, Ikeja, said the exercise reflected the administration’s commitment to responsible governance, fairness and respect for the rights of residents.
The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the payment as the fulfilment of the government’s legal and moral responsibility to citizens whose lands were acquired for projects serving the public interest.
Members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and community leaders attended the event.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the compensation was not a gesture of charity but an obligation rooted in justice, adding that infrastructure development must always be balanced with transparency and protection of citizens’ interests.
He explained that all claims were subjected to due process, including enumeration, professional valuation and verification of ownership documents, to ensure that only legitimate beneficiaries received payment.
According to him, the acquired properties were earmarked for strategic infrastructure projects designed to improve the living standards of Lagos residents, assuring that the lands would not be diverted for personal interests.
The governor advised beneficiaries to use the funds wisely by investing in sustainable ventures that would provide long-term benefits for themselves and their families.
He also assured residents that officials of the Lands Bureau remained available to provide guidance on documentation and other related matters without demanding any form of gratification.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Hamzat said the compensation payment demonstrated the administration’s determination to honour its commitments to residents affected by government projects.
He noted that while development initiatives sometimes require the acquisition of private properties, the government would continue to ensure that affected owners receive appropriate compensation in line with the law.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamar Olowoshago, said the exercise was part of ongoing compensation payments by the government, adding that it underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
Olowoshago noted that meaningful development must not come at the expense of justice and the welfare of citizens.
The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Lands, Hon. Olayinka Kazeem, commended the initiative, describing it as a reflection of a government that prioritises the welfare of its people.
The compensation exercise is part of efforts by the Lagos State Government to ensure that infrastructure expansion is achieved while safeguarding the rights and interests of residents affected by public projects.
