Makinde promises compensation for Circular Road landowners, defends corridor’s economic importance
pannigeriannews
3 min read
By Isaiah Adewole
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has promised to pay between ₦6 billion and ₦7 billion in compensation to affected property owners along the Ibadan Circular Road corridor before the end of October 2026, while assuring residents in built-up areas that the road alignment will observe a 75-metre setback on either side.
Makinde gave the assurances while speaking on the Crossfire Exclusive programme on Fresh FM 105.9, during a statewide broadcast, where he addressed concerns surrounding the Circular Road project and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to listening to affected residents and resolving issues arising from the project amicably.
“Exactly, and even the people on that corridor, I’ve been with them. I know precisely what they are looking for, and I will do it for them,” the governor said.
Explaining the proposed setback, Makinde said the government would restrict the corridor to 75 metres on either side in built-up areas, citing highway safety requirements.
“For the built-up area, I will sign for them and ensure that they have it. Everybody will have it in their hands, and we will put it in the government Gazette,” he stated.
The governor further explained that the 75-metre setback was informed by the highway code, particularly the safety requirements for roads designed to accommodate vehicles travelling at high speeds.
“For those built-up areas, it is 75 metres,” he emphasised.
On compensation, Makinde disclosed that files relating to claims by affected property owners, valued at approximately ₦6 billion to ₦7 billion, were already before him.
“And I’m saying this to everyone on that Circular Road. The file with me is almost about maybe six, seven billion. I will pay the six, seven billion to them before the end of this month,” he said.
He added that payment would commence in the coming week, signalling his administration’s intention to address the concerns of residents whose properties and investments had been affected by the project.
Makinde also defended the need to preserve the economic opportunities associated with the Circular Road corridor, noting that the area was expected to accommodate industrial, commercial and some residential developments.
“When you visit the place, part of what is supposed to come out of that corridor will be industrial, commercial and maybe few residential,” he explained.
According to the governor, the state must protect an economic environment that supports private investment, creates employment and provides opportunities for young people graduating from school.
He noted that Oyo State’s economic progress depended partly on its ability to attract entrepreneurs and industrial and commercial enterprises rather than relying predominantly on government employment.
“We’re thriving because we allow entrepreneurs to come in. We allow industrial concerns to come in. We allow commercial concerns to come in,” Makinde said.
The governor maintained that his administration would address any mistakes associated with the project rather than aggravate the situation for affected communities.
“We’re saying, look, if mistakes have been made, it is the duty of your government to correct it and resolve it amicably. And that is exactly what we’re going to do,” he added.
Makinde also clarified that the 75-metre setback would apply to built-up areas, while sections of the corridor where sufficient space was available could extend to 500 metres on either side.
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