A group of demonstrators under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Individuals gathered at the Lagos High Court on Thursday, calling on the federal government to provide full compensation to those affected by demolitions linked to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The peaceful protest, which drew civil society actors and residents alike, is the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed at drawing attention to what the group describes as inadequate or absent compensation for property owners, particularly in the Okun-Ajah area of Lagos.
Spokesperson for the group, Mr. Shina Loremika, addressed journalists at the court premises, expressing dismay over what he termed “the government’s sluggish and unfair compensation process.” According to him, a significant number of those displaced by the highway project have yet to receive any form of restitution, despite possessing valid title documents.
“Many victims have been left in limbo. Those who have been paid are raising concerns over the inadequacy of the compensation. The amounts offered do not reflect the value of their properties,” Loremika stated.
He further stressed that the process of disbursement should be digitized to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. “It is no longer necessary for victims to queue at offices. Technology allows for a transparent and efficient process to determine and disburse compensation,” he said.
Also speaking at the protest, legal practitioner Mr. Tahir Ahmad revealed that his own property was affected by the demolitions and, to date, he has received no compensation.
“This is not just a matter of financial loss,” Ahmad noted. “It’s a constitutional issue. Can the government lawfully seize private property without following due process or providing adequate restitution?”
The protest comes amid ongoing legal and public scrutiny of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which has been mired in controversy over land acquisition, environmental impact, and public consultation.
Earlier this year, several civil society organisations had raised alarms about the demolitions, alleging violations of property rights and lack of transparency in the compensation framework.
The protesters are urging President Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and ensure that affected property owners are fairly treated and duly compensated in accordance with the law.
