The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has formally called for an independent judicial investigation into the demolition of a multi-million dollar real estate project, WINHOMES Global Services Limited, to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. In a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, April 13, 2026, the National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, described the destruction of the $250 million estate as a “troubling case of unresolved injustice” that threatens to derail the Federal Government’s efforts to attract foreign and diaspora investments. The association alleged that the demolition was carried out without adequate compensation or adherence to the rule of law, despite the developers having secured all necessary titles and approvals prior to the commencement of the project.
The $250 million estate, which was reportedly funded largely by Nigerians in the diaspora, became a casualty of the massive infrastructure project spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Works under Senator David Umahi. While the Federal Government has maintained that the demolition was a “technical necessity” to maintain the alignment of the 700-kilometer coastal road, HURIWA argues that the process was characterized by a lack of transparency. Emmanuel Onwubiko noted that for over 24 months, the investors have engaged with the relevant authorities without a concrete resolution or the payment of fair market value compensation. He argued that such arbitrary actions send a “wrong signal” to the international business community, suggesting that private property rights in Nigeria can be overridden without due process.
In a swift reaction, the Federal Government has defended its actions, insisting that all demolitions along the coastal road corridor are guided by constitutional provisions and national interest. The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has previously stated that the government is committed to paying “just compensation” to all affected property owners with verifiable titles, but emphasized that the construction of the highway which is expected to revolutionize transportation and tourism cannot be held hostage by individual interests. The Ministry maintains that the alignment of the road was carefully designed to minimize damage to existing structures, and where demolitions are unavoidable, they are carried out according to the Land Use Act.
Legal and economic analysts observe that the WINHOMES case highlights a significant tension between the state’s power of eminent domain and the protection of private investment. Experts argue that while infrastructure development is a public good, the “security of tenure” is a fundamental requirement for the growth of the real estate sector. They suggest that the government must establish an independent valuation board to resolve disputes over compensation to avoid prolonged litigation that could stall the coastal road project. Analysts maintain that the perception of “bureaucratic lapses” in the handling of this demolition could dampen the enthusiasm of Nigerians abroad who are looking to reinvest in their home country.
The broader implications of HURIWA’s demand point toward a potential legal showdown that could set a precedent for future large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria. By advocating for a probe, the human rights group is seeking to ensure that the “human cost” of development is not ignored in the rush to complete high-profile projects. The case has also ignited a wider debate regarding the alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and its impact on established residential and commercial zones. As the construction of the highway progresses, the focus remains on the transparency of the compensation process and the government’s ability to balance its developmental ambitions with the rights of its citizens. For the investors in WINHOMES, the goal is not just the recovery of funds, but the affirmation of the rule of law in Nigeria’s business environment.
