Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced on Sunday that the government has allocated ₦18 billion to compensate property owners affected by Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. This development comes as the government seeks to address the impact of infrastructure projects on local communities, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Umahi assured stakeholders that all individuals on the compensation list would receive their payments within 10 days. Speaking during a stakeholder engagement for Sections 1 and 2 of the coastal road project, the Minister expressed frustration over the complex legal requirements but pledged full compliance with the law.

“I understand that I’ve already lost some properties to arrangements like this,” Umahi remarked. “It’s incredibly challenging to pay for this, but when facing legal obligations, one is bound to comply.” He added that an initial ₦8 billion was approved for compensation, based on recommendations from the Bureau of Public Procurement, but the figure has since escalated to ₦18 billion.

To ensure transparency, Umahi said he would publish all relevant details, including the names, property images, dimensions, and associated costs of compensated properties. He also noted that several court cases related to the compensation process were ongoing, stating, “We will comply with whatever decisions the court makes, and if necessary, take these cases to the Supreme Court to strengthen our democracy.”

The Minister directed Lagos State’s Federal Controller of Works, Olukorede Keisha, to expedite payments, allowing affected individuals to access their funds for relocation.

Umahi also addressed delays in various government projects, revealing that contracts for several sections, including three along the Lokoja-Benin corridor, have been terminated. These terminations were made after consultations with the Bureau of Public Procurement to reassign them through selective tendering. The Lagos-Ibadan phase two project has similarly been terminated and reassigned, he said.

“Section three of the Kano-Maiduguri project is progressing slowly,” Umahi noted. “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.”

Umahi raised concerns about Nigeria’s aging bridge infrastructure, especially the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. Despite appearing stable on the surface, he warned of serious structural issues, including deflected slabs and deteriorated pile caps due to saltwater exposure. Umahi revealed that ₦341 billion has been recommended for structural repairs on key bridges, including the Second Niger Bridge, to prevent potential disasters.

“The primary issue we face is chlorination and carbonation saltwater seeping in and corroding the reinforcement within the pile caps,” he explained. He added that Julius Berger, in partnership with an independent consultant, is conducting evaluations to design a comprehensive solution.

In a bid to enforce accountability, Umahi announced stricter assessments of contractors’ equipment and resources. Contractors hoarding multiple projects without making substantial progress risk contract termination. “If any contractor lacks the equipment promised in their bid, we’ll revoke their contract,” he stated firmly.

Looking forward, Umahi expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for prioritizing infrastructure in the 2025 budget planning. He welcomed the Assembly’s interest in hosting a retreat on budget priorities, saying, “They will identify priority projects and budgets, allowing us to set achievable goals. With the President’s unwavering support, I’m confident we will deliver on these commitments.”

This commitment to transparency, accelerated payments, and structural integrity signifies the government’s intent to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure while addressing the concerns of affected citizens.