Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Protesters Storm Ministry Of Works Over Demolition

On Tuesday, some protesters stormed the Federal Ministry of Works in Mabushi, Abuja, demanding fair compensation for properties demolished as part of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

Speaking on behalf of the group, leaders Declan Ihekaire and Shina Loremikan decried the government’s handling of the situation, stressing that such actions discourage both local and international investments.

They demanded prompt and fair compensation that reflects the true value of the demolished properties, urging the authorities to address the issue without further delay.

“I am here in conjunction with my other colleagues who believe that equity should be equity. Those who believe in fairness. Those who believe that oppressive tendencies should be resisted. So, what we are saying is that justice, justice now. When do we want it? Now. What do we want? Justice.

“So, we are here at the Ministry of Works, Abuja. The same way we were at the Ministry of Lands in Lagos some weeks ago, to tell the Honourable Minister of Works that he has not been fair to Nigerians who invested so much in the corridor where you have the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

“We are saying there is nothing wrong with constructing that road. But there is so much wrong when you take over people’s property, legitimate property, properties that have a C of O., and you take over such property without compensation.

“We are saying no to that. We are also saying no to a situation where you convince Nigerians to come from overseas and put down their hard-earned currency. And after putting down such money in a property, you come and you demolish. 

“How do you now tell others there to come back and invest? So, it is a case of you giving and also taking away. We are also saying that a young Nigerian, Obanla, was also abducted at the site some time ago.

“And to date, we are yet to locate where Obanla is. We are also saying that Obanla should be released to the family. And so, we are saying enough is enough,” Ihekaire said.

While urging the National Assembly to call the minister to order, Ihekaire said the victims should be given the same treatment as the Super Falcons and D’Tigress, as they also laboured for their property.

“We have enough money to compensate those whose property has been taken away. Just a few days ago, our Falcons did well. And after doing well, they were paid millions of Naira, 150 million, to each player.

“And we are saying if we have so much to appreciate people, we should also have so much to compensate people whose property has been taken away.