The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has disbursed ₦1 billion in compensation to landowners and property owners in Cross River State affected by the construction of the 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, marking a significant step forward in one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, Engr. Yinka Onafuye, confirmed the payments during an inspection tour of Sections 3A and 3B led by Minister of Works David Umahi. He explained that valuations of farmlands, cash crops and buildings had been completed, and that beneficiaries across twelve communities in Akamkpa and Odukpani Local Government Areas were already receiving alerts directly into their bank accounts. Between 700 and 1,000 residents have so far benefitted from the process.

Speaking in Awi community, Umahi praised the transparency of the compensation exercise and highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that the highway will be both modern and secure. He pointed to features such as solar-powered streetlights, CCTV coverage, emergency relief stations and dedicated lanes for security agencies as evidence of the project’s forward-looking design. Calling the project “President Tinubu’s 27-year-old dream coming to life,” Umahi said the highway would rank among the safest and most advanced in Africa once completed.

Contractor HITECH Africa assured that despite the swampy terrain, additional equipment and manpower were being mobilised to meet the 36-month delivery timeline for the Cross River sections. The Senate Committee on Works Chairman, Senator Mpigi Barinada, defended the project’s cost, citing the scale of earthworks and the use of premium concrete pavement. Local federal lawmaker Dr. Alex Egbona added that residents were impressed by the progress and pledged their full support for President Tinubu in 2027.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, valued at ₦15 trillion and awarded in eight sections, is expected to generate more than 250,000 direct jobs and transform the economies of Nigeria’s coastal states from Lagos through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom to Cross River.

For many communities along the route, the compensation payments represent not only financial relief but also a tangible sign that the long-promised project is finally taking shape.