A civil rights group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, has called for urgent intervention by President Bola Tinubu in the protracted dispute involving Winhomes Global Services Limited and diaspora investors affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.
The group raised concerns over what it described as a prolonged case of alleged injustice, warning that the situation could undermine Nigeria’s credibility as a law-abiding and investment-friendly destination.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, HURIWA said that more than two years of monitoring, engagements, and independent reviews have failed to yield a resolution, eroding public confidence in governance and the rule of law.
According to the group, despite repeated submissions of documents and multiple engagements with authorities…including invitations for affected diaspora investors to return to Nigeria for dialogue, there has been no conclusive resolution or compensation paid to the developer.
“We are concerned that what should have been a straightforward administrative and legal matter has lingered for over 24 months without closure,” said Emmanuel Onwubiko. “This raises questions about whether the delay stems from bureaucratic inefficiency or deeper systemic issues.”
HURIWA also referenced a widely circulated video in which the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reportedly stated that he personally ordered the demolition of the Winhomes Estate, noting that the directive did not originate from the President.
The group said the statement raises constitutional and administrative concerns regarding due process and the exercise of authority in matters affecting private investments. It called for clarification from the highest levels of government to determine whether proper legal procedures were followed.
Beyond the immediate dispute, HURIWA highlighted what it described as a troubling pattern involving diaspora investors, including claims that a female investor who attracted significant foreign direct investment suffered demolition of her assets, reputational damage, and delays in seeking redress.
The association warned that any perception of victimisation could weaken investor confidence and harm Nigeria’s global reputation.
It noted that the unresolved case has broader implications for Nigeria’s ability to attract and retain investment, stressing that investors require assurances of legal protection, transparency, and timely dispute resolution.
“Investors will be reluctant to commit resources to an environment where due process appears uncertain and compensation is seen as discretionary,” Onwubiko said.
HURIWA further stated that the matter has gained national and international attention, with video evidence, official statements, and eyewitness accounts already in the public domain.
The group urged President Tinubu to intervene to ensure a fair and transparent resolution, clarify the authorisation behind the demolition, and guarantee full compensation to affected parties.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Works to provide a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the demolition, including its legal basis, and urged anti-corruption agencies to launch an independent investigation into possible abuse of office or violations of constitutional provisions.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria must avoid projecting an image where investments can be destroyed without accountability, stressing that decisive leadership is required to uphold justice, protect investors, and reinforce the rule of law.
The group added that it would continue to monitor developments and sustain advocacy efforts until accountability is ensured, warning that prolonged delays in resolving such disputes could weaken economic prospects and damage Nigeria’s standing in the global investment community.
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