The Minister of Works, David Umahi has said a total of N18bn has been allocated to compensate affected property owners on section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
Umahi also stated that everyone on the compensation list of section 1 of the coastal road must have been paid in 10 days.
He spoke during the stakeholder’s engagement involving section 1 and section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road.
While addressing the issue of compensation, Umahi said his hands were tied under the law for satisfactory compensation of all those affected.
He said, “I wouldn’t have been able to respond if you had asked me this question earlier. But let me say clearly and emphatically that I’m quite frustrated with this situation. However, my hands are tied by the law. I understand that I’ve already lost some properties to arrangements like this.
“It’s incredibly challenging to pay for this, but when facing legal obligations, one is bound to comply. We have engaged professionals to handle this process and the Federal Executive Council approved an initial compensation budget of N8bn for this section, based on the recommendation by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
“But today, we are reaching N18bn, that’s where we are now. I am going to publish all details for transparency, including the names, pictures, dimensions, and costs involved. However, there are over 10 cases related to compensation in court and we will comply with whatever decisions the court makes. We will go to the Supreme Court if necessary to strengthen our democracy and seek final judgment on this matter.
“There is a legal basis for this, though I’m not a legal expert; we consulted experts for that, and 50 per cent of the compensation has already been paid. I have directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, to avoid waiting for further approvals from the Federal Executive Council, as the interests of the affected individuals must be prioritised. Those affected should be able to access their funds for relocation. Therefore, within the next 10 days, we will complete 100 per cent of the payments as documented by our enumerators.”
Meanwhile, the minister disclosed that several projects with contractors had been terminated due to delays in execution.
He said, “We have terminated several projects, including three sections of the Lokoja-Benin corridor, after consultation with the Bureau of Public Procurement to reassign these through selective tendering. The Lagos-Ibadan phase two, assigned to two contractors, has also been terminated and is being reassigned.
“Section three of the Kano-Maiduguri project is progressing slowly, and while the contractor calls me ‘wicked’ for terminating such projects, I would rather be seen as strict than allow people to suffer from unproductive projects left stagnant for over a decade. There’s no personal motive in these actions.
“Regarding the Second Niger Bridge and other bridges, we’ve recommended ₦341bn to address potential structural disasters. For example, on the Third Mainland Bridge, while it appears well-maintained on top, severe issues exist below the deck and even more so underwater.
“The deflection of slabs, buckling of piers, and detachment of pile caps are concerning. Saltwater exposure has caused significant deterioration over time, and this has affected the reinforcement of the pile caps.”
Umahi said maintenance neglect had been a major issue, with some of these structures now 50 to 60 years old and never maintained.
“The primary issue we are facing is chlorination and carbonation saltwater seeping in and corroding reinforcement within the pile caps. We have consulted international experts on dealing with similar cases, and Beja, the contractor, is exploring solutions,” he stated.
While speaking on the bridges in the country, Umahi asserted that one of the greatest challenges faced was the erosion caused by illegal sand mining and underwater currents, weakening pile structures over time under bridges.
He revealed, “Evaluations conducted from 1999 to 2019 have revealed progressive structural decay. Now, Julius Berger, with the help of an independent consultant, is examining these pile caps to provide a comprehensive design solution. We will present these findings to the federal government and the National Assembly for emergency funding.
“We’re also implementing rigorous assessments of contractor equipment. Some contractors are hoarding multiple projects up to 20 and have yet to make significant progress. If any contractor lacks the equipment promised in their bid, we’ll revoke their contract to maintain accountability.
“Finally, I thank the National Assembly for their interest in a retreat on the 2025 budget, which we welcome. They will identify priority projects and budgets, allowing us to set achievable goals. We’re here to listen and act. With the President’s unwavering support, I’m confident we will deliver on these commitments.”