Nigerians in Diaspora petition Senate over unpaid compensation for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway land
Nigerians in Diaspora Petition National Assembly Over Highway Project Compensation
Nigerians residing abroad, coordinated by Mrs. Stella Okengwu, have formally petitioned the National Assembly regarding the Federal Government’s alleged failure to compensate for properties affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Okun Ajah, within Lagos State’s Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The petition, submitted on behalf of investors from Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited, asserts that the ongoing highway project has encroached upon approximately 18 hectares of land developed for residential and estate purposes, leading to the destruction of existing structures.
Filed by Maverick Forte Legal and addressed to Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, the document accuses the Federal Ministry of Works of withholding compensation from the affected investors despite multiple discussions.
The petitioners noted that Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited is a registered entity involved in mass housing projects and backed by foreign direct investment. They provided documentation, including certificates of occupancy, land registry records, and a deed of assignment dated April 22, 2022, which was authorized by the Lagos State Attorney-General.
The petition claims that the highway’s construction deviated from its originally approved alignment, encroaching on the company’s land. The petitioners requested the National Assembly to review the original project design to investigate the legitimacy of this deviation.
Furthermore, they cited correspondence from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, dated April 16, 2024, indicating that the affected land was not designated as a right of way. Despite this, construction has reportedly continued without compensation.
The group has called for the formation of an ad-hoc committee to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the Federal Ministry of Works compensates the affected parties in accordance with current market values.
The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly confirmed receipt of the petition and stated that it would be forwarded to the appropriate committee for legislative review and further action.
