By Sunday Dennis
Nigerians in the Diaspora, under the coordination of Mrs Stella Okengwu, have petitioned the National Assembly over the alleged failure of the Federal Government to pay compensation for properties affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Okun Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The petition, submitted on behalf of investors operating under Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited, claimed that the ongoing highway project encroached on approximately 18 hectares of land developed for estate and housing purposes, resulting in the destruction of existing structures.
Filed by Maverick Forte Legal and addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the petition accused the Federal Ministry of Works of refusing to compensate the affected investors despite repeated engagements.
According to the solicitors, Winhomes Estate Global Services Limited is a registered real estate development company involved in mass housing projects and supported by foreign direct investment.
They stated that the firm holds valid and documented interests in the affected properties, including certificates of occupancy, land registry records and a deed of assignment dated April 22, 2022, which was duly consented to by the Lagos State Attorney-General.
The petitioners alleged that the coastal highway project was deviated from its original alignment and redirected into their property, contrary to the route approved by the Federal Executive Council.
They urged the National Assembly to demand and review the original design and alignment of the project to ascertain the legitimacy of the deviation.
They further claimed that a correspondence from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development dated April 16, 2024, confirmed that the affected land was not designated as a right of way. Despite this, they alleged that construction activities continued on the site without any form of compensation.
The group called on the Senate to constitute an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter and compel the Federal Ministry of Works to pay compensation in line with prevailing market values.
In response, the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly confirmed receipt of the petition and indicated that it would be forwarded to the appropriate committee for legislative consideration and further action.
