Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented more than N3.1 billion in compensation to over 300 property owners affected by government land acquisition.
The payments were made on Monday during a compensation presentation ceremony in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said the exercise reflected his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency and respect for citizens’ rights.
He explained that the compensation was in line with the Land Use Act and the government’s responsibility to support people whose properties were acquired for public projects.
According to the governor, land acquisition for public interest places both legal and moral duties on government.
He said affected property owners must be compensated fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delay.
Sanwo-Olu described the payment as a matter of justice, not charity.
He said the beneficiaries were receiving what was rightfully due to them after their properties were acquired for public use.
The governor explained that the claims went through proper checks before payment.
He said the process included enumeration, professional valuation and verification of title documents to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries were paid.
Sanwo-Olu said every acquired property represented a family, a livelihood and a personal story.
He added that development must always take human impact into consideration.
The governor said the acquired lands would support strategic infrastructure projects, including roads, schools and other public facilities across Lagos.
He noted that while such projects would benefit millions of residents, the government must not overlook the people directly affected by them.
Sanwo-Olu thanked the property owners for their sacrifice and cooperation in the development of the state.
He assured them that the government would continue to treat affected residents with compassion, fairness and dignity.
The governor advised beneficiaries to use the compensation wisely.
He urged them to invest the money in productive ventures that would secure the future of their families rather than spend it on unnecessary items.
Sanwo-Olu also warned the beneficiaries against offering bribes or inducements to public officials.
He said civil servants involved in the compensation process had carried out their duties professionally and were available to guide beneficiaries without demanding gratification.
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat also commended the affected residents for their patience throughout the process.
He assured them that the Lagos State Government would continue to promote compassionate and responsible governance.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Kamal Olowosago, said the exercise showed the government’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law in land administration.
Olowosago recalled that a similar compensation exercise was held on December 12, 2024.
He said the latest presentation confirmed the government’s consistency in meeting its statutory obligations to affected property owners.
According to him, infrastructure development remains essential to economic growth and improved living standards.
He, however, stressed that development must be balanced with justice, equity and respect for citizens’ rights.
Olowosago praised the affected property owners for their understanding and cooperation during the acquisition and compensation process.
He said their sacrifices would contribute to infrastructure that would benefit millions of Lagos residents now and in the future.
The permanent secretary also commended officials of the Lands Bureau, especially those in the acquisition, reconciliation and compensation departments.
He said their work helped ensure a transparent, credible and orderly compensation process.
The Lagos State Government said the exercise forms part of its broader commitment to delivering infrastructure while protecting the rights and welfare of residents affected by public projects.
