…Pays N11.8bn compensation, generates N10.5bn on land sales

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsuru Olowoopejo

lagos—Inspite of establishing the task force on land grabbing, with the aim  of preventing land speculators from illegal possession of land, Lagos State Government, yesterday, lamented that it was still battling with land-grabbers, otherwise called “Omo-onile” over various land encroachment across the state.

Meanwhile, the state government  has disclosed that it had payed N11.8 billion as compensation to property owners whose structures were demolished during  construction, reconstruction of roads, flyovers and ramps among other public infrastructures within the state.

Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule, made the remarks yesterday, while giving accounts and achievements of Lands Bureau, Governor’s Office, to mark the third year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.

Onabule stressed that the persistent encroachment on government lands across the state led to empowering Land Use Allocation Committee, LUAC, to team up with Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA,   to commence removal of all illegal structures on government schemes.

According to her, “It is most disheartening to say that a very large number of government land schemes are being confronted with problem of encroachment.”

She attributed the menace to failure of allottes to develop their lands, nothing that their absence did not only aid  speculators to encroach on government lands but also encouraged  illegal squatters to takeover government lands.

Compensation

Speaking on compensation of victims, Onabule said  that the state government had begun payment of over N11.8billion as compensation to owners of properties that had to give way for construction of roads, flyovers, ramps and other critical infrastructural projects across the State.

She clarified that the payment was for properties demolished for projects  which included the Abule Egba road expansion, Epe Road expansion, Lekki International Airport, Pen Cinema flyover, ultra modern bus terminal in Oyingbo and    upgrading of Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road.