The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, a monumental infrastructure undertaking, faces significant hurdles as allegations of compensation irregularities spark widespread tension in Cross River State. Specifically, communities within the Odukpani Local Government Area are gripped by fear and unrest, claiming that the process for land acquisition for the Coastal Highway Project Compensation has been severely compromised. Legitimate landowners report being unjustly excluded from payment registers, with their rightful compensation allegedly diverted to individuals with no ancestral ties to the affected lands.
This brewing conflict underscores the critical importance of transparent and equitable land acquisition processes for large-scale national development projects. The Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong Community, alongside a prominent landlords’ body led by Effiong Ekpo Ekpo, has formally accused unidentified “strange elements” of manipulating the compensation registry. These groups assert that hundreds of genuine landowners have been systematically removed, replaced by proxies who are now receiving payments intended for the rightful owners of the land.
The core of the dispute centers on the enumeration and payment processes for the Cross River axis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Concerns are particularly high regarding claims that political appointees and their close associates have financially benefited from these alleged malpractices, leveraging compromised traditional and political structures to their advantage. Reports suggest instances where government officials received substantial sums, such as N7 million in Kaifa village and another payment in Oboroko, further fueling public outrage and distrust.
The compensation payments, initiated over two months prior, followed the federal government’s official acquisition of vast tracts of land. These lands span crucial sections of Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas, which are vital for the Coastal Highway Project Compensation. In Odukpani alone, the project impacts 13 distinct Okoyong villages, including Obot Ekpo, Ekemkpon, Atan Okoyong, Kaifa, Nkita, Usung Nkita, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom I and II, and Ubambat/Inua Akpa Okoyong, highlighting the widespread nature of the alleged irregularities.
Ensuring fair land compensation practices Nigeria is paramount for maintaining social cohesion and enabling smooth project execution. The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engr. Yinka Onafuye, has vehemently defended the process, asserting its transparency. Onafuye explained that all payments were meticulously made directly into the bank accounts of verified beneficiaries, with provisions made to assist those who did not possess bank accounts. He further disclosed that approximately N1 billion has already been disbursed to between 700 and 1,000 beneficiaries across Akamkpa and Odukpani areas, indicating the substantial financial outlay involved.
What is the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway project? The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a proposed 700-kilometer superhighway designed to connect Lagos with Calabar, traversing nine coastal states in Nigeria. This ambitious project aims to boost economic development, facilitate trade, and improve connectivity along Nigeria’s southern coastline, acting as a vital artery for regional commerce and tourism.
Despite the official assurances, the Okoyong group remains unconvinced and has escalated their concerns by petitioning various security agencies. Their urgent appeal highlights the escalating tension within the affected communities, warning that the situation could rapidly degenerate into widespread public disobedience and a complete breakdown of law and order if not promptly and decisively addressed. This plea for intervention underscores the gravity of the allegations surrounding the Coastal Highway Project Compensation.
The group’s primary demand is for an independent audit of the entire compensation register. Such an audit is crucial to verify the legitimacy of all beneficiaries and ensure that every rightful landowner receives their due, thereby upholding the principles of justice and fairness in land acquisition for infrastructure projects Nigeria. This step is seen as essential to restore public confidence and prevent further escalation of the dispute.
Addressing how to claim land compensation in Nigeria correctly involves understanding the legal framework, which mandates fair valuation and transparent disbursement. When these fundamental principles are ignored, the social fabric of affected communities can be severely strained, leading to delays, protests, and an erosion of trust between citizens and government. The current situation in Cross River serves as a stark reminder of these potential pitfalls.
The Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway benefits vs challenges debate often highlights the necessity of balancing economic progress with community rights. While the project promises significant economic upliftment, the challenges associated with land acquisition, particularly concerning equitable compensation, can become major impediments. Resolving these issues is not just a matter of finance but also of human rights and sustainable development.
Ultimately, the timely and just resolution of these compensation disputes is critical for the successful continuation and completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Without a fair and transparent process for the Coastal Highway Project Compensation, the ambitious infrastructure development risks being overshadowed by social unrest and legal battles, undermining its potential positive impact on the nation’s economy and its people.
