October 09, 2009

The Lagos State government is putting machinery in place to relocate 65 communities in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state which will be displaced as a result of the proposed international airport to be built in the area.

The affected communities are located between Epe and Ibeju-Lekki local government areas.

The international airport is to complement the Lekki Free Trade Zone already being built (in its first phase) by the China Corporation Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC).

Top government officials have already held meeting with the leaders of the communities to reassure them of government’s commitment to relocating them.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands Bureau, Mr. Gbenga Ashafa, at the meeting reassured the people of government’s intention to adequately compensate them.

According to him, government will not embark on any demolition until after compensation and relocation of affected people, just as it did to the displaced people of Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

“The convening of this meeting is our way of showing that government intends to carry the people along in the project,” he said.

Ashafa warned the people not to think of entering into conflict with the state government as that would not solve the problem. “You should continuously seek dialogue with the government which has demonstrated its openness and transparency,” he said.

Members of the communities appealed to the government to embark on compensation without delay.

The proposed international airport is to link the Lekki Free Trade Zone to people from other parts of the world that will come to the zone to trade.

It will also lead to further development of the Lekki axis of the state and make it a hub of commercial and economic activities.

The airport and the zone are expected to attract lots of investors who will invest in the Nigerian market and transform the zone to into haven of business.

source:http://thepmnews.com/2009/10/09/lagos-airport-project-to-affect-65-villages