Protesters Storm Works Ministry Over Demolition Of Lagos-Calabar Highway Properties
PROTESTERS have taken their grievances to the Federal Ministry of Works in Mabushi, Abuja, demanding adequate compensation for properties demolished along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The demonstrators, holding placards with messages such as:
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“Ministry of Works is complicit in abrupt road diversion”
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“International investors deserve protection, not demolition”
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“Free Obanla now”
were led by Declan Ihekaire and Shina Loremikan of the Coalition of Civil Rights Against Impunity (CCRAI). They vowed to continue protesting until the government addresses their demands.
Key Demands from Protesters
The group called for:
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Immediate compensation matching the value of demolished properties
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Justice for investors whose legitimate properties, with Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), were seized
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Release of Obanla, a young man reportedly abducted at the site
Declan Ihekaire said:
“There is nothing wrong with constructing the road. But taking over legitimate property without compensation is unacceptable. We also demand the release of Obanla, who was abducted during the demolition. Enough is enough.”
Appeal to Government and National Assembly
Ihekaire urged the National Assembly to intervene and ensure fair treatment for affected citizens. He drew comparisons to payments made to Nigeria’s sports teams, arguing that:
“If millions of naira and $100,000 bonuses can be given to our Falcons and D’Tigress, citizens whose properties were taken away deserve equivalent attention and compensation.”
The protesters stressed that the government’s actions could discourage both local and international investors from investing in Nigeria.
Ministry Yet to Respond
Efforts to get a response from ministry officials were unsuccessful, as the Minister of Works was reportedly out of town.
The protesters, however, pledged to maintain pressure until their demands are met.
