Sanwo-Olu disburses N3.1bn compensation to 300 Lagos property owners

LAGOS State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented more than N3.1 billion in compensation to over 300 property owners whose lands were acquired for key infrastructure projects across the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fair and transparent compensation.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Lagos on Monday, the governor said the compensation reflected the state’s obligation under the Land Use Act to ensure that individuals affected by compulsory land acquisition for public purposes receive prompt and equitable compensation. He stressed that the exercise was a legal entitlement rather than an act of benevolence.

According to Sanwo-Olu, every claim was subjected to a rigorous verification process involving property enumeration, professional valuation and title authentication to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries received payment. He noted that every acquired property represented a family, a livelihood and personal history, adding that infrastructure development must always be pursued with compassion.

The governor explained that the acquired lands would facilitate the construction of roads, schools and other public infrastructure designed to improve the quality of life for Lagos residents. While acknowledging that the projects would benefit millions of people, he recognised the sacrifices made by the affected owners and thanked them for supporting the state’s development agenda.

Sanwo-Olu urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the compensation by investing in ventures that would secure their families’ future. He also warned against offering bribes to public officials, assuring recipients that civil servants handling the compensation process had been directed to provide professional assistance without demanding gratification.

In his goodwill message, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat commended the affected residents for their understanding and patience, saying the administration would continue to pursue development with empathy and fairness.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr Kamal Olowosago, said the payment exercise demonstrated the government’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law in land administration. He noted that it followed a similar compensation exercise conducted on December 12, 2024, underscoring the state’s consistency in meeting its statutory obligations.

Olowosago said while strategic infrastructure was essential for economic growth and improved living standards, development must be balanced with justice, equity and respect for the rights of affected citizens. He thanked the property owners for their cooperation throughout the acquisition process and praised officials of the Lands Bureau’s acquisition, reconciliation and compensation departments for ensuring a credible and transparent exercise.