Lagos State Government has reassured indigenes of Epe and Ibeju-Lekki area regarding the ongoing land acquisitions for developmental projects of adequate compensation stressing that the actions are in the best interest of the communities.
The State Government gave tye assurance at a stakeholders' meeting for the Epe Mixed Development Scheme and Labour City.
Permanent Secretary of the State Land Bureau, Kamar Olowoshago, addressed concerns raised by the locals, assuring them that the state's plans would benefit the indigenes and enhance their communities.
The meeting, organised by the New Towns Development Authority, NTDA, in Epe, was attended by various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and lawmakers.
During the meeting, the two lawmakers representing Epe in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tobun Abiodun and Sylvester Ogunkelu, expressed concerns about the land acquisitions.
They argued that the government had not provided adequate compensation to landowners and criticized the decision to hand over community lands to private entities without the consent of the indigenes.
Former lawmaker from the area as well, Segun Olulade, also raised concerns about the procedures followed in the land acquisition process, urging the government to ensure proper handling of the matters.
Other stakeholders raised issues including environmental pollution, traffic congestion, and lack of basic social amenities.
In response, Olowoshago reassured the public that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration had already addressed many of the concerns raised.
He confirmed that no land would be acquired without proper compensation and encouraged the community members to embrace the project and take ownership of it.
Olowoshago also called for patience as the government worked to ensure the benefits of development reached the communities.
General Manager, NTDA, Olakunle Aboyeji, stressed the importance of stakeholder cooperation on the projects.
He explained that the meeting aimed to inform the public and garner support for the development schemes, which were designed to curb illegal development, prevent encroachment, and improve infrastructure in the area.
