The Lagos State Government has presented Cheques of three point one billion naira as compensation to over three hundred Beneficiaries for Lands Acquired by the State Government for Overriding Public Interest.
Speaking at the presentation of cheques to over three hundred beneficiaries at Alausa, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized that the compensation was not charity, but for fairness, justice to improve public trust in government in fulfilling its obligations in line with the Land Use acts.
While assuring those who are not listed in this batch of prompt payment, Governor Sanwo-Olu advised beneficiaries at the event to invest the funds judiciously to secure the future of their families whose ancestral lands were used for development and not for frivolous activities due to availability of resources.
Sanwo-Olu said the exercise was more than the distribution of compensation cheques, describing it as a demonstration of responsible governance where development is pursued with a human face.
“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 the government,” he said.
According to the governor, whenever the state invokes its powers under the Land Use Act to acquire land for overriding public interest, it assumes a corresponding responsibility to compensate affected property owners fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delay.
“This is not charity; it is justice. It is not a favour; it is your right,” he said, adding that sustainable development can only be achieved when public trust is protected through fairness and accountability.
Sanwo-Olu stated the N3 billion compensation would be paid to 331 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) whose properties were acquired for strategic road projects designed to improve transportation, ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic activities across Lagos.
He explained that every claim underwent a rigorous verification process, including enumeration, professional valuation by certified estate surveyors and confirmation of ownership, to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries received compensation.
The Governor said the road projects would enhance connectivity across the state, reduce travel time, facilitate commerce, strengthen regional integration and unlock new economic opportunities for millions of Lagos residents.
He, however, acknowledged that while such infrastructure projects ultimately benefit the larger population, the immediate burden is often borne by individuals whose land and property are acquired.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Sanwo-Olu thanked them for their understanding and cooperation, describing their sacrifices as invaluable contributions to the continued growth and transformation of Lagos.
“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.
The Governor urged recipients to make prudent use of the compensation by investing in productive ventures, securing the future of their families and rebuilding stronger.
He said officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau would continue to provide guidance and documentation support to beneficiaries requiring further assistance.
Sanwo-Olu also assured residents whose compensation claims were still being processed that no genuine claimant would be overlooked, urging them to remain patient as the verification process continues.
He warned individuals attempting to exploit the compensation exercise through fraudulent claims that the government would not tolerate any form of abuse.
“The same diligence that protects genuine owners will expose impostors,” he cautioned.
The Governor commended officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, estate surveyors and valuers, land surveyors, engineers, town planners, community leaders and other stakeholders for ensuring that the compensation exercise was conducted with professionalism, transparency and integrity.
He said the administration was not merely acquiring land to construct infrastructure but was also strengthening public confidence in government by fulfilling its legal and moral obligations to affected residents.
“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 reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Greater Lagos that delivers sustainable development while protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens.
In a goodwill message, the Deputy Governor, Doctor Obafemi Hamzat, urged beneficiaries to reciprocate government gesture by registering with INEC, keep their PVC and vote massively for the All Progressive Congress in the state in next election for the good works to continue.
Earlier, in an address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary, Land Bureau, Kamar Olowosago, who appreciated beneficiaries for the patience and sacrifice of their landed property for the development of Lagos to serve millions of residents, noted that posterity will never forget their sacrifice.
He also said Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved funds for the construction of a permanent NYSC site at Agbowa, while those affected would be compensated before the end of the year.
Appreciating the state government on behalf of beneficiaries, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, expressed joy that the long awaited compensation since 2016 was actualized during the period of his celebration of a decade on the throne, as he thanked beneficiaries for letting go of their lands for the growth and development of Lagos.
Present at the event were Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, representative of Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Olayinka Kazeem among others.
