From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
As the demolition of structures on the right of way of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway intensifies, Federal Government has said that it would not hesitate to compensate properly owners who are entitled for compensation.
Minister of Works, Engineer Nweze Dave Umahi gave the assurance when he flagged off the demolition of property along that corridor.
“We are doing some minor adjustments, and our commitment is to stay within the coastline. When the initial demolition order was passed to all the affected investors, I graciously increased the period to another seven days and yet another four days.
“This demolition is going to have a pure human face and so with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to God Almighty and commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in our infrastructural development in particular, I wish to flag off this demolition to get a right of way within the coastal corridor which is the legitimate right of the Federal Government” he said.
The minister, however, called on all those to be affected by the demolition to take it as a sacrifice for the ultimate impact of the project on the economic prosperity of the nation. He highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the project, including the money it will save for businessmen and women and the stability it will bring to the economy.
“Those who are playing politics with this can go ahead. My job is simple —— just to pass the coastal road and those who are into politics can continue” he stated.
In a statement, one of the affected property owners, Mr. Balaji Ariyo (Mami Chula), said the demolition would no doubt affect his business but he had no option than to make sacrifice for the greater good of millions of Nigerians whose livelihood would be impacted by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which has a spur that connects South to North. He urged all those to be affected by this critical infrastructure to see it as a sacrifice for the good of all Nigerians.
“Yeah, some of us are affected, no doubt about it. But some of us are not up to 0.1 per cent of the millions of people that will enjoy the coastal road. That’s why someone like me and some others also have taken it to heart to also support Mr. President and the minister to ensure that this road comes to life”he said .
He noted that the coastal highway has the potential to create greater vistas of opportunities for businesses and other human development initiatives that would benefit a greater number of Nigerians.
“As humans, those affected will feel the pain but the future of the country must be put first. And some of us are paying the price in good faith. So, we are human; we feel the pain. But at the same time, if you look at the longer picture, you’ll realise that it’s for the benefit of everyone. It’s more than the benefit of one person. Yes, we are sitting on a lot of money, a lot of money being recouped here. But at the same time, it is not worth the enjoyment or the free access of every other Nigerian that will ply the road. So Mr. Minister has already lectured me so well and has consoled me so many times” he said.