The Federal Government has commenced direct compensation payments to property owners and farmers affected by the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project in Cross River State.
The exercise, which covers Section 3A of the project in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas, has been praised for its transparency and peaceful implementation. According to officials, between 700 and 1,000 affected persons have been verified for payment following valuations conducted by certified professionals.
Engr. Olayinka Onafuye, the Federal Comptroller of Works for Cross River and Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Works, confirmed that the payment exercise in Akamkpa has been completed, with beneficiaries in Awi and Njagachang communities already receiving funds.
“Payments are currently ongoing in Odukpani, which includes over ten communities such as Ikot Okon Akiba, Oduyama, Atan, and Nkitta,” he said.
Onafuye explained that initial delays arose because some beneficiaries lacked bank accounts or valid identification. To address this, banks, including Zenith, Wema, and UBA,were deployed to the communities to facilitate enrolment and account opening. He added that the Ministry has stopped third-party payments to ensure all claimants receive their compensation directly.
Nearly ₦1 billion has been forwarded in the latest payment batch, with disbursements expected to reach beneficiaries soon.
He further disclosed that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is now 15% complete, with about one kilometre of concrete pavement already laid. Construction will continue throughout the year, with only short breaks during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Traditional rulers from the affected communities commended the Federal Government for what they described as an unprecedentedly transparent process. Bassey Okon Edet, Secretary of the Akamkpa Traditional Rulers Council, said the valuations were fair and payments were made directly to rightful owners. He also warned residents against opportunistic construction on acquired land.
Similarly, His Highness Akom Asuquo Effiong of Nkitta community described the compensation process as smooth and pledged continued cooperation to ensure the project’s successful execution.
Community leaders highlighted the expected economic benefits of the project, including job creation, improved connectivity, business expansion, and rising land values.
Financial institutions involved in the process also noted that the initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion targets. Zenith Bank’s Hilary Akah confirmed that over 200 residents have already been enrolled for account opening and payment, with plans to accommodate more beneficiaries.