Sanwo-Olu Pays ₦3bn Compensation to 331 Lagos Residents Affected by Road Projects

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented compensation cheques totalling ₦3 billion to 331 residents whose land and properties were acquired for ongoing road infrastructure projects across the state.

The governor made the presentation on Monday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, describing the payments as the government's legal and moral responsibility to citizens affected by public development projects.

He said the beneficiaries are Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) whose properties were acquired to pave the way for strategic road projects designed to improve transportation, reduce traffic congestion, strengthen connectivity and support economic growth across Lagos.

“Behind every development corridor is a community. Behind every parcel of land is a story. Behind every acquisition are individuals whose lives are directly touched by the decisions of government,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor stressed that compensation for acquired land should never be viewed as an act of generosity but as a constitutional obligation whenever government acquires land for overriding public purposes under the Land Use Act.

“This is not charity; it is justice. It is not a favour; it is your right,” he told the beneficiaries.

Sanwo-Olu explained that each claim passed through a comprehensive verification process involving property enumeration, valuation by certified estate surveyors and ownership confirmation to ensure that only legitimate claimants received compensation.

According to him, the rigorous process was designed to promote transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the exercise.

The governor noted that although the infrastructure projects require sacrifices from affected property owners, they are expected to deliver long-term benefits to millions of Lagos residents by improving mobility, easing traffic congestion and opening up new economic opportunities.

He thanked the beneficiaries for their patience and cooperation, describing their contribution as an important part of the state's ongoing transformation.

“Your sacrifice is acknowledged, your contribution is appreciated, and your partnership in the development of Lagos State will never be taken for granted. Your cooperation is helping to shape a Lagos that future generations will inherit with pride,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu assured residents whose compensation claims are still undergoing verification that genuine claimants would receive their payments once the review process is completed.

He, however, warned against attempts to manipulate the compensation exercise through fraudulent claims.

“The same diligence that protects genuine owners will expose impostors,” the governor cautioned.

He also encouraged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the compensation by investing in their future and rebuilding their lives.

The governor commended officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, estate surveyors, valuers, land surveyors, engineers, town planners and community leaders for ensuring that the compensation process was conducted professionally.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to delivering critical infrastructure while protecting the rights and welfare of residents affected by development projects.

“We are not simply acquiring land to build infrastructure; we are building trust and laying the foundation for the Lagos of tomorrow,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He added that the state government remains committed to building a Greater Lagos through sustainable infrastructure development while ensuring that affected residents are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.