By: Princess Don, Uyo.

The Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) has commenced the payment of compensation to farmland owners whose properties were affected by the construction of Section 3A of the Coastal Highway in Okobo, Nsit Atai and Uruan Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.

The development was disclosed in a notice issued and signed by the Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works in Akwa Ibom State, Engineer Vincent Okoduwa, and made available to journalists in Uyo over the weekend.

According to the notice, farmland owners whose properties have already been assessed and valued are required to visit the Federal Secretariat Complex, Uyo, specifically the Conference Room on the first floor, for verification and biometric capturing.

The Controller also advised individuals whose farmlands were affected but are yet to be valued to present themselves during the exercise.

Engineer Okoduwa explained that the verification process is aimed at ensuring transparency and accuracy in the compensation payment process.

He stressed that all affected persons must present relevant documents, including a valid means of identification, proof of farmland or property ownership, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and bank account details.

The Ministry clarified that only affected persons from identified communities within the three local government areas would be attended to during the exercise.

The listed communities include Adadia, Akpa Meri Ukim, Anakpa, Atai Odobo, Edik-Ikpa, Ekim Enen, Eweme, Ibete Ndon-Ebom, Ikot Asua, Ifiayong Usuk, Ikot Itie Udung, Ikot Obong, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Akan, Ikot Akpabio, Ikot Antia, Ikot Inyang, Ikot Inyang Esuk, Iwok Nsit, Ikot Otoinyie, Isa Okiuso, Issiet Ekim, Iwok Obio, Mbiakong, and Nda Ikot Apanuma.

Other affected communities include Ndon Ebom, Nkimenta, Nsie, Nsit Itie, Nung Atai, Nung Udom Odobo, Okorobo, Ufak Effiong, Usie Uran, Uta Ukpong, and Ikot Ebok.

Engineer Okoduwa further disclosed that the compensation exercise commenced on December 1, 2025, and is expected to continue into the early part of 2026. He urged all affected farmland owners to take advantage of the opportunity by participating fully in the verification process to enable timely payment of compensation.

The Coastal Highway project is a major federal infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activities across coastal communities in the Niger Delta region.