Cross River State Government Takes Action on Highway Compensation.

Cross River State Government Takes Action on Highway Compensation

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State announced that his administration will no longer wait for the Federal Government to compensate landowners affected by the reconstruction of the Calabar-Uyo federal highway.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the construction work on the highway, especially the Odukpani axis, proceeds without delay.

To achieve this, the state government has committed to paying compensations to affected landowners to facilitate the road expansion project.

“Council has approved the disbursement of Four Hundred Million Naira (N 400,000,000.00) for that purpose.

“However, the onus rests on the Federal Government to compensate dislocated persons and affected structures.”

Otu, however, maintained that only those whose properties were identified in the original demolition would be compensated.

Similarly, he assured communities within the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport of its commitment to resolving issues concerning compensation for lands acquired from them for the airport.

Commissioner for Aviation, Capt. Eno Utum Inah rtd, said plans are almost concluded to settle land owners around the project area.

“I do not want to say compensation for the acquisition of the land for the project was not paid. I think some people felt they were more entitled than others, while some others felt excluded. Notwithstanding, the Ministry of Aviation is taking inventory of those with such complaints and also liaising with relevant agencies to sort things out. I assure you, in no distant time the issue will be resolved amicably as a solution will be obtained,” he said.