In the spirit of the Lagos-Ogun Joint Commission, Lagos State Government through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has commenced payment of compensation to over 180 landlords whose houses would be affected for the construction of Agbado train station and stabling yard for the Red Line rail system.
The compensation exercise, jointly supervised by officials of the Lands Bureau and Survey Department of the Ogun State Government and LAMATA, followed the revocation of the land by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dayo Abiodun.
The Head of Acquisition and Compensation Department in Ogun State Lands Bureau and Survey, Mrs Oluwaseun Oluwasusi, who represented the state government, 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.
She expressed the appreciation of Governor Abiodun for their cooperation and understanding, stating that rail project would make commuting between the two states seamless, improve their lifestyle as well as reduce the stress associated with commuting between the two neighbouring states.
On his part, Corporate Communication Consultant at LAMATA, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, who represented LAMATA Managing Director, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo expressed the appreciation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the Ogun State government for facilitating the acquisition of land in Agbado and Ope Ilu for the Agbado train station and Stabling Yard respectively.
He 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. 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 States, 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″, Ojelabi further said.
