LASG: Why We Haven’t Compensated Owners of Pen Cinema Buildings

Asks affected owners to submit all relevant documents

The Lagos State Government yesterday explained why it had not compensated owners of buildings that were demolished in Pen Cinema, noting that all affected property owners “are yet to produce relevant documents to kick start the compensation process.”

The state government promised that all stakeholders, whose buildings were affected due to the on-going construction of the 1.4-kilometre Pen Cinema flyover, would duly be compensated as soon as they submit all their title documents.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Abiola Anifowoshe, gave the assurance in a statement he issued yesterday, debunking reports that the state government was unnecessarily delaying compensation.

He said the state government would compensate all stakeholders, whose structures were affected in the demolition exercise, noting that it “understands their plight and is working tirelessly to ensure that those affected are compensated.”

However, Anifowoshe asked the affected stakeholders to submit all relevant documents promptly in order to fast-track the process of compensating them, pointing out that many affected stakeholders had not yet fulfilled the requirement.

He urged the affected stakeholders “to submit such documents as certified registered title document of properties within the said right of way, approved building plan permit for the affected structures and any other relevant documents as proof of ownership, to do so without delay.

“We advise them to submit their documents to the Office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Block 15, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja to ensure that all affected owners are compensated appropriately.”

He explained that the state government had held a meeting with the affected property owners during which the details of the flyover project were presented to the stakeholders.

Anifowoshe said: “It was instructive that the stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the development and the Lagos State Government secured their buy-in. The government functionaries at the meeting urged the people to submit all relevant documents showing proof of ownership.

“Our officials served all the statutory notices and even gave more than enough time for the affected property owners to be aware of the removal. Also, there were reports to the effect that effect stating government intention and expectations from the people. As a matter of fact, many of such have been submitted to my office and the compensation process has commenced fully.”

He said the construction of the flyover was in a bid to bring about development and end the perennial traffic situation in Agege and its environs, noting that the state government had to remove its own staff buildings belonging to the Lagos State Development Property Corporation (LSDPC) to give way for the project.

He noted that the state government “is committed to ensuring that there is even development across the state. By the time the Pen Cinema Flyover construction is completed, there will be traffic decongestion in the axis and this will enhance the socio-economic development of Agege and its environs.”