Tears, anger, and frustration erupted as foreign investors and Nigerians in the diaspora called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the controversial diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
The investors, whose properties in Okun-Ajah, Lagos, are being affected by the diversion, claim their lands were illegally demolished, contrary to the original 2006 gazetted plan.
At a press conference held at The Continental Hotel in Lagos, foreign nationals and diaspora Nigerians expressed dismay over the destruction of their properties.
Dr. Kimberlin Spark, an American investor, could barely hold back her tears as she described the potential loss of her investment.
“This is my 18th visit to Nigeria,” Spark said, her voice breaking. “I was so excited to invest in Nigeria after hearing about Winhomes Global Services and the coastal road project. Now, I fear my investment will go down the drain.”
Spark revealed that she flew to Nigeria immediately after reading about the demolition of her property in the media.
“I suspect that some people within the Ministry of Works are misinforming the minister. This is a terrible image for Nigeria. We appeal to President Tinubu to act swiftly,” she pleaded.
She wasn’t alone in her frustration.
Dr. Arinze Xo, a Canadian-based professor, expressed similar concerns.
“This diversion discourages us in the diaspora from returning home,” Xo said. “I have lived abroad for 23 years, but Nigeria is my only home. If the government wants us to invest here, it must prove that our investments will be protected.”
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project was originally aligned through the Lekki-Epe Expressway, according to a 2006 gazette.
However, Engr. Stella Okengwu, Managing Director of Winhomes Global Services Limited, claimed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, suddenly announced a diversion in June 2024.
“This change is unjust,” Okengwu said. “The minister previously stated in public meetings in April and May 2024 that the alignment would revert to the 2006 plan. Why the sudden U-turn?”
Okengwu emphasized that the affected property, owned by Nigerians in the diaspora, was legally acquired.
“My company has all necessary documents, including Certificates of Occupancy and Governor’s Consent,” she stated. “The demolition is baseless and against the law.”
The coastal road project has been a major draw for diaspora investors, promising improved connectivity and economic benefits.
Okengwu revealed that Winhomes was created as a portal for diaspora investment, intending to attract over $250 million in foreign direct investment and create 5,000 jobs.
“Our property is over 700 meters away from the shoreline, making it compliant with legal requirements,” she explained.
She also debunked claims that the road was being diverted to protect MTN and 2Africa cables, which are located 7 kilometers away from the affected area.
“These claims are false and misleading,” Okengwu said. “They only serve to tarnish the Lagos State Government’s reputation.”
Okengwu called on President Tinubu to instruct the Ministry of Works to revert to the original alignment.
“As Nigerians in the diaspora, we support the government when it follows due process,” she said.
The affected investors are demanding an immediate halt to the road diversion and a public retraction of statements questioning the legality of their documents.
“This situation undermines trust in Nigeria as a destination for investment,” Okengwu warned.