FG to Compensate Property Owners for Superhighway Project

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated compensation for property owners impacted by the construction of the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway. Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, announced this on Friday during an inspection of the project, a key initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

Umahi stated that the government would take responsibility for compensation in areas where state governments are unable or unwilling to fulfill this obligation. He noted that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Works to resolve compensation challenges that could impede major infrastructure projects.

The Federal Government has already compensated some property owners, including those in Abaomege, while the Ebonyi State Government compensated owners affected by the Onueke flyover. Umahi revealed that approximately N18 billion had been paid in Lagos State for similar projects and assured that a comparable approach would be applied to the Cross River-Abuja corridor.

He expressed concern over an initial compensation valuation of N6 billion, directing a review to ensure funds are available for road construction.