ID: 2057
Presenting Author: Olatayo Olasehinde
Session: 629 - Post-Resettlement Realities: Trust, Housing, and Livelihoods Reconsidered
Status: pending
Assessment of resettlement and livelihood restoration along Nigeria’s Lagos–Ogun line highlights communication, trust, and participation gaps, proposing inclusive monitoring and coordination strategie
Resettlement and livelihood restoration are critical components of sustainable infrastructure development and social performance. However, their effectiveness depends not only on technical design but also on transparent communication, community trust, and institutional accountability. This study presents an independent evaluation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Livelihood Restoration Framework for communities affected by the Lagos–Ogun Transmission Line Project in South-West Nigeria.
The assessment examined the level of compliance with national resettlement regulations and international safeguard policies of the World Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating document review, field observations, structured interviews, and focus group discussions to capture stakeholder perceptions of compensation adequacy, participation, grievance redress, and livelihood sustainability.
Findings indicate notable progress in compensation delivery and stakeholder sensitization. However, challenges persist, particularly in livelihood diversification, documentation quality, and the operationalization of feedback and grievance mechanisms. Limited communication flow between project institutions and affected persons has also weakened community confidence in the restoration process.
The study concludes that while implementation meets core safeguard requirements, sustained livelihood recovery requires stronger institutional coordination, participatory monitoring, and inclusive communication strategies.
Olatayo Olasehinde is an experienced consultant with 15 years’ expertise in ESIA, audits, resettlement, and monitoring, committed to lifelong learning and environmental excellence.
Coauthor 1: Adegboyega Lawal