The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has commenced the payment of compensation to no fewer than 180 landlords in Ogun state.
This is contained in a statement by the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, and signed by the Consultant, Corporate Communication of LAMATA, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to Akinajo, the landlords are those whose houses will be affected by the construction of Agbado Train Station and stabling yard for the Red Line Rail system.
She said that the compensation exercise, jointly supervised by officials of the Lands Bureau and Survey Department of the Ogun and LAMATA, followed the revocation of the land by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dayo Abiodun.
Akinajo appreciated the Ogun State Government for facilitating the acquisition of land in Agbado and Ope Ilu.
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She, however, said that both states had meticulously looked at the landed space needed for the project to ensure that people affected are adequately compensated to ease their relocation.
“About two months ago, we paid tenants that would be affected. Today, it is the turn of landlords. This is to prove to you that government is serious about compensation.
“On behalf of the governments of Lagos and Ogun, I want to appeal to you to promptly vacate the areas government had acquired and paid for, so we could build the infrastructure for the rail line.
“We are currently running behind schedule because, this rail line is expected to commence operation by the first quarter of 2023,” Akinajo said.
Meanwhile, Mrs Oluwaseun Oluwasusi, the Head, Acquisition and Compensation Department in the Lands Bureau and Survey of Ogun, who represented Abiodun expressed delight at the exercise.
Abiodun informed beneficiaries that the compensation was being paid, following the successful presentation of the revocation notice to each of the property owner, and their consent to support the government on the rail development project.
He expressed appreciation for their cooperation and understanding, stating that rail project would make commuting between the two states seamless.
He added that it would improve their lifestyle as well as reduce the stress associated with commuting between the two states.
