Nigerians in the diaspora have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for responding to the demolition of the $250 million WIN HOMES Estates along the Lagos-Calabar coal highway construction site.
In a statement jointly signed by Engr Stella Okengwu, Dr Kimberly Stark, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, Mr Ovie Aweghogho, and Oluwaseun Bamigbola Bovi, on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora, they said they are happy the federal government has initiated communication channels over the estate demolition.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria initiates a formal communication channel, led by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, to engage with diaspora investors impacted by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway realignment.
“Facilitated by the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigeria, this marks a defining moment for dialogue, restoration, and reconciliation in Nigeria’s investment landscape.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Umahi for their courage and statesmanship in responding to the cries for justice following the demolition of the $250 million Win Homes Estates project in Okun Ajah on October 5, 2024. This gesture signals to the global community that Nigeria is committed to protecting foreign direct investment, particularly from its 50 million-strong diaspora, who remain steadfast development partners.
“The WIN HOMES Estates, a beacon of inclusive development, united Nigerians across ethnicities—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Efik, and others—in a shared vision of progress. It created jobs for hundreds of unemployed youth, boosted local businesses, and sourced materials domestically, fostering hope among diaspora investors eager to rebuild Nigeria. However, its demolition without notice, dialogue, or compensation shattered structures and trust, sending shockwaves through global Nigerian communities and contributing to a 30% drop in diaspora real estate investments.
“Let us be clear: our year-long, peaceful, and legal advocacy has never been anti-government. Many of us supported this administration, believing in its promise of Renewed Hope. Our call is for fairness, justice, and the rule of law. We respectfully urge the government to evaluate the demolished properties properly, ensure adequate compensation for WIN HOMES and its investors, and establish a Diaspora Investment Protection Desk to safeguard future projects of this magnitude. Such measures will help reverse decades of capital flight and restore investor confidence.
“We express profound gratitude to the Coalition of Civil Society for their tireless mediation, demonstrating the power of civic engagement in fostering national healing. To our subscribers, we affirm our unbreakable bond and commitment to reaching the promised land of growth and legacy.
“As private investors, we see this dialogue as a green light to global markets. Nigeria must move beyond welcoming capital to respecting and protecting it.
“By institutionalising this approach, Nigeria can enhance its rankings on ease of doing business and investor confidence indices, unlocking billion-dollar opportunities from its diaspora. This press conference celebrates the pain of loss and the possibility of progress. Let this be a model for partnerships with Nigeria’s diaspora, ensuring that those who invest in her future are protected,” the group said while thanking the President, the Honourable Minister, and all who stood with them.
