HEDA demands disclosure on Lagos land reclamation for coastal highway

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has formally requested documentation from the Federal Ministry of Works concerning the reclamation of land for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Citing the Freedom of Information Act, HEDA seeks transparency regarding the reclamation exercise and the compensation provided to affected landowners.

HEDA's chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, stated that complaints received through their whistleblower hotline raised concerns about the transparency and due process in the reclamation and compensation procedures. The organization is requesting copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment, approval documents, acquisition notices, contracts, and compensation assessment reports.

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The information received underscores the need for greater transparency, accountability, and strict compliance with due process in the implementation of the coastal highway project.

Specifically, HEDA wants detailed records of compensation beneficiaries, including names, amounts, payment vouchers, and dates. They also requested minutes of meetings with community representatives, agreements with landowners, and records of statutory deductions. HEDA believes access to this information is crucial for clarifying issues raised by stakeholders and strengthening public confidence in the management of public infrastructure projects involving compulsory land acquisition and public funds.

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HEDA believes that access to the requested information will.