Lagos–Calabar highway: Investors allege non- payment of compensation, petition Senate

LAGOS—Nigerians in the Diaspora, coordinated by Mrs. Stella Okengwu, have petitioned the National Assembly over alleged non-payment of compensation for investments demolished during the construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway at Okun Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The petition, submitted on behalf of affected investors under Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited, raised concerns over the impact of the federal highway project on about 18 hectares of land, including structures, said to have been affected during construction.

Titled “Petition Against the Federal Ministry of Works in Respect of Its Refusal to Pay Compensation to Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited…”, the petition was addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. It was written by Maverick Forte Legal on behalf of Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited.

The solicitors stated that Winhomes Estate is a duly registered corporate entity engaged in mass housing and estate development, noting that it attracted foreign direct investment to its landed assets at Okun Ajah. They said the company holds registered interests over several parcels of land, supported by certificates of occupancy, land registry records and a deed of assignment dated April 22, 2022, consented to by the Lagos State Attorney-General.

The petitioners alleged that the highway was diverted from its originally approved alignment into their property and urged the National Assembly to demand the original project design and alignment approved by the Federal Executive Council.

They further claimed that a response from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development dated April 16, 2024, confirmed the property was free from any right of way. Despite this, they said construction affected the land, with no compensation paid.

They called on the Senate to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate and direct the Federal Ministry of Works to pay compensation based on prevailing market value.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly acknowledged receipt of the petition and advised that it be redirected to the appropriate committee for action.

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