The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has noted with concern a report published by openbusinessng.com alleging that landlords and residents in a community within the Ojo area of Lagos State staged a protest over a purported plan to demolish more than 300 homes for a rail project.
The Authority considers the report misleading and lacking critical context.
For the record, the parcel of land in question was duly identified as the most suitable location for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line Depot following extensive technical and planning evaluations. Since this determination, LAMATA has maintained continuous and structured engagement with affected landlords, tenants, and community leaders through a series of stakeholder meetings held at the Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), with the active participation of traditional rulers, the Community Development Committee (CDC), and Community Development Associations (CDAs).
At these engagements, it was clearly communicated that the depot design has undergone multiple revisions to minimise impact on the surrounding community. Approximately 70 per cent of the required land is undeveloped, while only about 30 per cent affects existing structures. The alternative land referenced by protesters corresponds to this undeveloped portion. The total land requirement for the depot is approximately 404.42 square metres.
All stakeholders were duly informed of and aligned with the compensation framework, which follows LAMATA’s established practice: tenants are compensated first, followed by property owners.
Available records indicate that approximately 600 tenants, 137 property owners, and about 230 structures—including residential buildings and places of worship—are affected. Compensation is already in progress. More than half of the affected tenants have received their entitlements and have commenced relocation. Compensation for property owners commenced on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, with about 50 landlords already documented for payment. The process continues in an orderly, transparent, and accountable manner.
LAMATA firmly rejects any suggestion of inducement. All compensation payments are strictly guided by Lagos State Government-approved policies designed to ensure fairness and support relocation. Notably, Lagos State remains the only subnational government that compensates tenants in such circumstances, as demonstrated in both the Red Line and Blue Line projects. *In addition, valuation of developments on lands to be acquired is done based on “Replacement Cost,” in line with international standards.
As a public institution guided by due process and international best practices, LAMATA operates strictly within the law. The land has been lawfully acquired for overriding public interest to support a critical rail infrastructure project that will move thousands of commuters daily, improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and enhance quality of life along the Marina–Okokomaiko–Agbara corridor. The Blue Line will also integrate with the proposed Purple Line at the Volkswagen axis, further strengthening seamless connectivity across Lagos.
While LAMATA respects the right of citizens to lawful expression, it is important that public discourse—particularly on projects of this scale—remains grounded in verifiable facts, not conjecture capable of creating unnecessary public anxiety.
