Sanwo-Olu Pays ₦3.1bn Compensation To Hundreds of Property Owners Across Lagos
The Lagos State Government has disbursed more than ₦3.1 billion in compensation to over 300 property owners whose lands and buildings were acquired for major public infrastructure projects across different parts of the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the compensation cheques during a ceremony in Lagos, describing the exercise as part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring fairness and protecting the rights of residents affected by government development projects.
According to the governor, the affected properties were acquired to pave the way for strategic infrastructure, including roads, schools and other public facilities designed to improve transportation, education and the overall quality of life of Lagos residents.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that while development is necessary to meet the needs of the state’s growing population, government also has a legal and moral responsibility to compensate individuals whose properties are taken for public use.
He explained that every beneficiary passed through a comprehensive verification process, including property enumeration, professional valuation and confirmation of ownership, to ensure that compensation was paid only to legitimate property owners.
The governor noted that behind every acquired property is a family, a business or a means of livelihood, adding that infrastructure development should never ignore the sacrifices made by citizens directly affected by government projects.
He assured residents that the state government would continue to uphold transparency and accountability in all land acquisition exercises while ensuring that compensation is paid promptly to qualified beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries are property owners from several parts of the state, including Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Igbogbo and Ogba, where various infrastructure projects are either ongoing or scheduled to commence.
Sanwo-Olu said the projects are expected to boost economic activities, improve connectivity and enhance public services across Lagos, while acknowledging that they require temporary sacrifices from affected communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to balance urban development with respect for the rights of citizens, promising that future infrastructure projects would continue to follow due process and comply with relevant laws governing land acquisition.
The compensation exercise forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader urban renewal programme aimed at expanding critical infrastructure to meet the demands of Africa’s fastest-growing megacity while ensuring that affected residents receive their rightful entitlements.