Lagos pledges fair compensation in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki land acquisition | Prestige Real Estate News
The Lagos State government has reassured the indigenes of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki regarding ongoing land acquisitions for developmental projects, emphasising that the actions are in the best interest of the communities.
At a stakeholders’ meeting for the Epe Mixed Development Scheme and Labour City, Kamar Olowoshago, the Permanent Secretary of the State Land Bureau, addressed concerns raised by locals.
He assured attendees that the state’s plans would benefit the indigenes and enhance their communities.
The meeting, organised by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) in Epe, was attended by various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and lawmakers.
During the meeting, the two lawmakers representing Epe in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tobun Abiodun and Sylvester Ogunkelu, expressed concerns about the land acquisitions. They argued that the government had not provided adequate compensation to landowners and criticised the decision to hand over community lands to private entities without the consent of the indigenes.
A former lawmaker from the area, Segun Olulade, also raised concerns about the procedures followed in the land acquisition process, urging the government to ensure proper handling of the matters.
Other stakeholders raised issues including environmental pollution, traffic congestion, and the lack of basic social amenities.
In response, Olowoshago reassured the public that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration had already addressed many of the concerns raised. He confirmed that no land would be acquired without proper compensation and encouraged community members to embrace the project and take ownership of it.
He also called for patience as the government worked to ensure the benefits of development reached the communities.
In his opening remarks, Olakunle Aboyeji, General Manager of NTDA, emphasised the importance of stakeholder cooperation on the projects. He explained that the meeting aimed to inform the public and garner support for the development schemes, which were designed to curb illegal development, prevent encroachment, and improve infrastructure in the area.
