Diaspora Investors Urge FG to Respect Court Order on Coastal Highway

Some Nigerian investors in the diaspora have called on the Federal Government to comply with a court order regarding the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which they say has been unlawfully diverted through the Okun Ajah community in Lagos.

Residents of the area, including investors in the Winhomes Estates project, previously protested the diversion. The investors subsequently filed a lawsuit, accusing the government of disregarding a valid court order that halted construction on the disputed route.

Speaking for the group, Stella Okengwu, CEO of Winhomes Global Services Ltd, said in a statement that construction continues despite a court directive to maintain the status quo. She described the development as a threat to the rule of law and a risk to Nigeria’s reputation as a safe destination for investment.

“This ongoing violation of court orders is not just contempt for the judiciary it undermines confidence in Nigeria’s legal and investment climate,” Okengwu said.

The case, currently before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court in Lagos (Suit No: FHC/L/AMC/1803/2024), accuses several parties, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Works, and Hitech Construction, of trespass and illegal construction.

Justice Aluko has ruled that jurisdiction must first be established before addressing the investors’ request for an injunction. He also warned all parties not to tamper with the subject matter of the case or obstruct the judicial process.

Okengwu emphasized that the disputed project involves over $250 million in investments and vowed that the affected diaspora investors would pursue justice to the end.

She urged the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual or agency operates above it.