The Lagos State Government on Thursday started the compensation of identified 263 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) of the 37-km Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line. The Rail Line traverses Agbado to Marina and is expected to move more than one million commuters daily when completed in 2022.
During the ground-breaking ceremony of the Red Line project in Ikeja, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented cheques of varying amounts as compensation to 25 residents whose properties, businesses and houses had been affected by the project.
Sanwo-Olu said the presentation of cheques to the other PAPs would continue subsequently, so as to reduce their pains.
He said the beneficiaries were those who had been verified to be bonafide property owners, business owners and tenants of the affected buildings.
“For the first time in the history of paying compensation, we are not just paying compensation to landlords, we are also paying compensation to tenants and business owners who are tenants to these properties.
“We are doing that to ensure that no one is left behind, we do not want to displace anyone of their economic activity right now, we want to reposition them and make sure that Lagos can provide the opportunity for them on an ongoing basis,” he said.
He appealed to all residents on the need to bear with patience the temporary pains and the inconveniences that would be experienced in the course of the project.
“I implore you to cooperate with the contractors as we implement this life-changing and impacting project for the seamless mobility of all Lagosians,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
At the event, the Ikeja Club got compensated to the tune of N78,659,000 and Blessing Okhawere (tenant) got N140,000.
Also, another beneficiary, Alimi Daudu, was compensated with the sum of N12,213,180, among others.