A coalition of protesters on Thursday reignited calls for compensation for people whose properties were demolished to pave the way for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Operating under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Individuals, the group held a peaceful protest in Lagos to press home their demands for fair and adequate compensation for all affected property owners.
It would be recalled that some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) had previously staged similar protests, particularly over demolitions carried out in the Okun-Ajah axis of Lagos State. They also demanded restitution for affected residents and business owners.
The latest protest comes amid growing dissatisfaction over what many described as both the scale of the demolitions and the inadequate compensation provided. Some of the affected people have since turned to the courts in pursuit of justice.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Shina Loremika, appealed to the government to address the suffering of the victims, expressing optimism that their demands would eventually be met.
“A large number of those affected by the demolition exercise have not received any form of compensation. For those who have, the amounts paid were grossly insufficient,” he said.
Mr. Loremika also criticized the bureaucratic hurdles in accessing compensation, noting that modern technology should allow for a seamless and transparent process by which property owners can determine and receive what is due to them.
He also expressed concern that people with valid title documents were not spared during the demolitions.
“Our major worry remains whether the government has the right to take over private property without following due process and ensuring adequate compensation,” he stated, urging authorities to urgently provide relief to all those impacted.
Also speaking during the protest was Mr. Tahir Ahmad, a legal practitioner and one of the victims of the demolitions, who revealed that he has yet to receive any compensation for his lost property. He echoed the call for the government to fulfill its obligations to the affected persons.
Protesters renew call for compensation over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway demolitions
