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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented compensation cheques worth N3 billion to 331 residents whose land and properties were acquired for major road infrastructure projects across the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to balancing development with fairness and social justice.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, the governor said the compensation was not an act of generosity but the fulfilment of a legal and moral obligation to citizens affected by government projects.
According to him, the beneficiaries are Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) whose properties were acquired for strategic road projects aimed at improving transportation, easing traffic congestion, boosting connectivity and stimulating 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.
He stressed that whenever government acquires land under the provisions of the Land Use Act for overriding public interest, it has a corresponding responsibility to compensate affected owners fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delay.
“This is not charity; it is justice. It is not a favour; it is your right,” the governor declared.
Sanwo-Olu explained that each compensation claim passed through a rigorous verification process involving enumeration, professional valuation by certified estate surveyors and ownership confirmation to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries received payment.
He noted that while the road projects would ultimately benefit millions of Lagos residents by reducing travel time, facilitating commerce and opening up new economic opportunities, the government remained mindful of the sacrifices made by those whose properties were affected.
The governor thanked the beneficiaries for their patience, cooperation and understanding, describing their sacrifices as critical to the state’s ongoing transformation.
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“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.
He urged recipients to invest the compensation wisely, secure the future of their families and rebuild stronger, assuring them that officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau would continue to provide the necessary documentation and support where required.
Sanwo-Olu also assured residents whose compensation claims are still undergoing verification that no genuine claimant would be denied payment, urging them to remain patient as the process continues.
He warned against fraudulent claims, stressing that the government would deal firmly with anyone attempting to exploit the exercise.
“The same diligence that protects genuine owners will expose impostors,” he warned.
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 conducting the compensation exercise with professionalism and transparency.
He reiterated that his administration was committed not only to delivering critical infrastructure but also to strengthening public trust by protecting the rights and welfare of citizens.
“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 resolve to build a Greater Lagos through sustainable infrastructure development while ensuring that affected residents are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
