Seeks compensation for affected landowners

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has invoked the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011, demanding full disclosure from the Federal Ministry of Works on the reclamation of land reportedly belonging to the Oniru family for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

In a Freedom of Information request signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the civil society organisation said the request followed complaints and information received through its whistleblower hotline regarding the reclamation exercise and the compensation process for affected landowners.

According to Suraju, the information received underscores the need for greater transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to due process in implementing the coastal highway project.

HEDA also requested detailed information on the compensation process, including the names of beneficiaries, amounts assessed and approved, payment vouchers, bank transfer records, dates and modes of payment, and records identifying the original owners of the affected land.

“Beyond these documents, we are also requesting copies of the minutes of meetings held with community representatives, agreements signed with landowners, records of statutory deductions and remittances, court orders relating to ownership or compensation, and every other document relevant to the reclamation exercise,” Suraju said.

HEDA maintained that public infrastructure projects must be implemented with the highest standards of transparency and accountability, particularly where they involve the compulsory acquisition of private property and the expenditure of public funds.

The group noted that access to the requested information would help clarify issues raised by affected stakeholders, promote transparency in project implementation, and strengthen public confidence in the management of public infrastructure.

It, however, urged the Ministry of Works to respond to requests for information within seven days of receipt.

The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and citizens’ right to access information in public governance.