Cross River State government has begun payment of N600 million compensation to owners of property on the Calabar-Itu road right of way.
Governor Bassey Otu disclosed this, yesterday, during the site assessment and resolution of the argument that ensued between the Federal Government and communities along Calabar-Itu Road.
The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, said that the dispute has hindered the take-off of the project, following demands by roadside communities that the Federal Government should pay them compensation for their property marked for demolition.
The governor called on the Federal Government to address the compensation hurdle.
He said that though the payment of compensation for the project was the responsibility of the Federal Government, the state government has earmarked N600 million for compensation, assuring that the government will only give priority attention to affected landowners with legal structures.
Otu stated that compensation in Nigeria is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978, emphasising the necessity of fair compensation for affected landowners.
Akiba said: “I am here to conduct a study in line with the governor‘s decision to assume the compensation responsibility from the Federal Government, which is commendable.
“We will prioritise those with ancestral buildings and legal structures. We‘ve observed illegal constructions erected in anticipation of compensation, which we strongly disapprove.”
