By Mary Onyia
The Lagos State Government has begun compensating property owners affected by recent demolitions and land acquisitions, disbursing more than ₦3.1 billion to about 300 beneficiaries. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the payment underscores his administration’s commitment to fairness and due process, assuring that lands re-acquired by the government would be used strictly for projects that benefit the public rather than private interests.
The affected properties are located in parts of Ikorodu and Epe, where land was acquired for major public infrastructure and development projects. Beneficiaries include owners of residential buildings, commercial structures, and undeveloped plots that fell within the acquisition corridors. Government officials said compensation followed valuation and verification exercises carried out in line with the Land Use Act.
Presenting the compensation, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the reclaimed land would be deployed for strategic public projects designed to improve transportation, economic development, and public infrastructure. “We are committed to ensuring that every acquisition serves the collective interest of Lagosians,” he said, adding that those whose properties were affected deserved fair treatment and prompt compensation.
The exercise comes against the backdrop of public concerns that government-acquired land has, in the past, sometimes found its way into private hands. Many residents and civil society groups say they expect the administration to fulfil its promise by ensuring the recovered land is used for roads, public facilities, housing, schools, and other projects that directly benefit citizens, rather than being allocated to privileged individuals.
For many affected property owners, the compensation offers some relief after the loss of their homes and investments. However, they hope transparency will not end with the payment of cheques.
As implementation begins, public attention is expected to focus not only on the fairness of compensation but also on whether the reclaimed land is ultimately developed in line with the government’s stated objective of advancing the public good.