Cross River State government will spend N600 million to compensate property owners on the Calabar-Itu Road.
Governor Bassey Otu disclosed this yesterday during on site assessment and resolution of the argument that ensued between federal government and the communities along Calabar-Itu road.
This dispute hindered the takeoff of the project, following demands by roadside communities that the federal government should pay them compensation for their property earmarked for demolition.
Represented by the special adviser to the governor on general duties, Barr. Ekpeyong Akiba, the governor, called for the intervention of the federal government to address the compensation hurdle.
“The state government has earmarked N600 million for compensation, with disbursement scheduled to commence soon“, he said and assured that government will give priority attention to affected landowners with legal structures.
“Monies have been allocated for the compensation,” he added.
Otu stated that compensation in Nigeria is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978, emphasizing the necessity of fair compensation for affected landowners.
“I‘m here to conduct a study in line with His Excellency‘s decision to assume the compensation responsibility from the federal government, which is commendable.
„We will prioritize those with ancestral buildings and legal structures. We‘ve observed illegal constructions erected in anticipation of compensation, which we strongly disapprove,” Otu stated.