Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Diaspora Investors Accuses Minister of Illegal Demolition

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

 The Association of Nigerian Diaspora Investors (ANDI) has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of illegal deviation and selective demolition of their property at Okun Ajah Winhomes Estate, Lagos State. 

The association in a letter to President Bola Tinubu, a copy of which was made available to THISDAY said the action of the minister has left many investors feeling victimised and abandoned.

The letter jointly signed by Dr. Olubokun-Basorun, Mr. Femi Adekoya, Dr. Arinze Onwumelu and Dr. Kimberly Stark on behalf of over five hundred affected investors, said their fate was shattered by an unwarranted demolition of their investments, executed without prior engagement or legal notification.

The association recalled that on October 5, 2024, officials from the Ministry of Works, accompanied by military personnel and officials from the Lagos State Taskforce, stormed the Winhomes site, demolishing the property and seizing valuable building materials. 

It called on the President to disregard any misleading narratives regarding the location of key infrastructure, such as MTN and 2 Africa cables, which they assert are misplaced allegations intended to justify the unwarranted deviation from the original coastal road alignment.

It said: “Motivated by a commitment to contribute to the nation’s economy, 70 per cent of these investors are diasporans who have shown their faith in Nigeria by repatriating funds for housing development and other socio-economic benefits.

“These investors undertook comprehensive due diligence before committing their resources, ensuring their properties had the requisite certificates, including occupancy permits and official clearance from the coastal road right of way. 

“The investors have raised pressing questions regarding the alleged corruption and lack of communication, asking why a minister who initially approved the original alignment later reversed his decision.

“Shockingly, allegations have surfaced that other developers, such as residents of Ocean Bay estate, paid substantial bribes to government officials to divert the coastal road away from their properties, effectively encroaching on the land of law-abiding Winhomes investors. This not only raises serious ethical concerns but also highlights an evident disparity in treatment based on compliance with the law. 

“The need for transparent actions and accountability is paramount. The recent panel set up by the Ministry of Environment expressed concerns about the coastal road diversion, noting it did not consider ecological impacts that could exacerbate erosion in the area. This lack of expert consideration further complicates the situation and encourages questions about the motives behind the road’s diversion.”

The association further urged Tinubu to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged wrongdoing by the Ministry of Works, emphasising that law-abiding citizens should not suffer while those who act unlawfully thrive.