In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, encouraged citizens affected by the recent demolitions to apply for compensation. He emphasized that compensation is provided on a case-by-case basis and urged those eligible to come forward.
“Compensations are based on application, and they are profiled and treated on a case-by-case basis. Those involved, let them apply, don’t limit the application of compensation to just Mende Villa, and then we take it to the governor for approval. This is a government that has empathy for the people,” Wahab said.
Regarding climate change, the commissioner stressed the importance of rationality over emotions, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “Let us accept it, climate change is real. Let us embrace it and not let emotions take over.”
Wahab highlighted that over 2,000 persons are being given compensation in Ilasan Jakande, including squatters who are not allottees. He explained that foul play was discovered by developers or homeowners, prompting swift action. “The homeowners were engaging the government, but they failed to tell the tenants; we found out, but we didn’t wait in our offices; we came out to them.”
The commissioner emphasized the importance of proper planning in development, stating, “Development is a function of proper and deliberate planning; it’s not by accident. If we want to develop, we must do the right things.”
Regarding the demolitions, Wahab acknowledged the distress caused but emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of 22 million Lagosians. “When they say Lagos will go under in 50 years, should we fold our hands and watch it happen? We are choosing to do the right thing, and it is painful at times to do the right thing.”
