The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has underscored its dedication to equitable treatment by guaranteeing fair compensation to residents impacted by the ongoing Quality Bus Corridors (QBC) and Multimodal Transport Interchange Project. This ambitious project aims to revolutionize transportation in Lagos by creating integrated hubs connecting buses, trains, ferries, and non-motorized transport, ultimately promoting smoother, more efficient mobility within the bustling metropolis. Underpinned by principles of social inclusion and environmental sustainability, the project places affected residents at the heart of its implementation, ensuring they are not unjustly burdened by its progress.
LAMATA, in collaboration with Agence Française de Développement, is actively disbursing compensation to both landlords and tenants whose properties have been affected by the project. A recent gathering at the Surulere Local Government Office saw affected residents presenting their documentation to receive their promised compensation. This process embodies LAMATA’s commitment to a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) that adheres to international best practices, ensuring that no individual is left in a worse position due to the project’s development. The authority emphasized the RAP’s comprehensive framework, which incorporates transparent engagement, accessible grievance redress mechanisms, and impartial monitoring – all crucial components for upholding the rights and dignity of those affected.
The QBC and Multimodal Transport Interchange Project represents a transformative initiative designed to address Lagos’s pervasive mobility challenges. By integrating diverse transportation modes into interconnected, efficient hubs, the project envisions a future where commuting within the city is significantly improved. This integration is not merely about physical infrastructure; it reflects a deeper commitment to enhancing the overall quality of life for residents, minimizing travel times, and fostering a more sustainable urban environment.
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, reaffirmed the government’s people-centric approach to infrastructure development. She stressed the importance of ensuring that every individual impacted by the project is treated with dignity and fairness, emphasizing the ethical responsibility inherent in such transformative urban initiatives. This commitment is reflected in the meticulous implementation of the RAP, designed to minimize disruptions and ensure that residents are adequately compensated for any losses incurred.
Dr. Babatunde Osho, Managing Director of Global Impact Environmental Consulting, LAMATA’s implementing partner for the compensation process, highlighted the integral role of resettlement and compensation in responsible project execution. He emphasized that these aspects are not mere afterthoughts but fundamental considerations woven into the project’s fabric from the outset. Osho noted the significance of stakeholder engagement sessions, such as the one held in Surulere, as critical platforms for fostering public trust and ensuring transparency throughout the compensation process. These sessions provide a direct channel for communication, allowing residents to voice their concerns and receive clear, accurate information about the project and its impact.
The QBC project’s broader vision extends beyond simply upgrading physical infrastructure. It prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can benefit from the improved transportation network. Furthermore, the project champions environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and promote a more ecologically responsible approach to urban development. This commitment to sustainability aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and create more livable urban spaces. By intertwining enhanced mobility with social responsibility and environmental consciousness, the QBC project seeks to establish a new paradigm for infrastructure development in Lagos, one that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens and the long-term health of the urban environment.
