The federal government has commenced the payment of compensations to 1,000 landlords and farmers whose lands were affected by the ongoing construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. The payments are based on valuations conducted by certified professionals.

The Federal Comptroller of Works in Cross River State and Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Yinka Onofuye, confirmed the development in Calabar on Friday. He said the exercise is progressing well, with payments already concluded in Awi and Njagachang communities in the Akamkpa LGA axis.

“The exercise is going well. We have been able to capture almost between 700 to 1,000 affected persons depending on their property and claims. The valuers have done their work; our mandate is to ensure payment is made correctly,” Engr. Onofuye said.

Payments are still being processed in Odukpani LGA, covering ten affected communities, including Ikot Okon Akiba, Oduyana, Atan, Ekemkpo, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekong, Nkitta, and Ekong Atan Oku.

He noted that delays were partly due to beneficiaries lacking bank accounts or valid identification, emphasizing that payments are now made directly to claimants, with banks such as Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, and UBA assisting in on-site enrolment. “We received a directive from headquarters to stop all third-party payments. Cheques issued to consultants were withdrawn. Each claimant is now captured afresh,” he explained.

Engr. Onofuye revealed that the last batch submitted to the contractor amounted to nearly ₦1 billion, noting that due diligence in large disbursements sometimes slows the process.

The highway project is 15% completed, with nearly one kilometre of concrete road pavement (CRCP) laid. He emphasized that the three-to-four-year project continues despite weather challenges, with only brief breaks for Christmas and New Year.

Traditional institutions in the affected communities expressed satisfaction with the process. Akom Asuquo Effiong, a community leader in Nkitta, and Bassey Okon Edet, Secretary of the Akamkpa Traditional Rulers Council, praised the transparency and directness of the payments.

“This is the first time compensation is being paid in this manner, and such huge amounts are being received directly by the people. The format is commendable. The claimants are happy because their properties were well valued,” they said.

Community leaders highlighted that the project will bring significant economic benefits, including increased land value, business expansion, job creation, and improved connectivity, making cooperation essential.

The Calabar end of the highway covers Section 3A, spanning Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas.