The Federal Government has begun disbursing financial compensation to 1,000 landlords and farmers whose lands were affected by the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The payments are based on valuations carried out by certified professionals.

Engr. Yinka Onofuye, Federal Comptroller of Works in Cross River State and Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Works, confirmed the development in Calabar on Friday. He stated that the payment exercise is progressing steadily, with disbursements already concluded in Awi and Njagachang communities along the Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) axis.

“The exercise is going well. We have captured between 700 to 1,000 affected persons, depending on their property and claims. Our mandate is to ensure that payments are made accurately,” Onofuye said.

He added that payments are ongoing in ten communities within Odukpani LGA, including Ikot Okon Akiba, Oduyana, Atan, Ekemkpo, Mkpara Otop, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Oboroko, Esuk Ekong, Nkitta, and Ekong Atan Oku.

Onofuye attributed some delays to beneficiaries’ lack of valid bank accounts or identification documents. He explained that the Ministry has discontinued the practice of allowing third parties to collect payments on behalf of claimants. “Every beneficiary must now open a personal bank account. We have partnered with Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, and UBA to enrol them on site,” he noted.

According to Onofuye, the latest batch of payments forwarded to contractors amounted to nearly ₦1 billion. He emphasized that the large sums require careful verification, which can slow down the process.

Construction on the project has reached 15% completion, with approximately one kilometre of concrete road pavement (CRCP) already laid. The project is expected to span three to four years, with only brief breaks during Christmas and New Year.

Community leaders have expressed satisfaction with the transparency of the payment process. Akom Asuquo Effiong of Nkitta, Odukpani LGA, described the exercise as “successful and peaceful,” while Bassey Okon Edet, Secretary of the Akamkpa Traditional Rulers Council, commended the direct disbursement method.

The project, covering Section 3A in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs, is expected to boost local economies through increased land values, business expansion, job creation, and improved connectivity.