Property Owners Accuse FG of Disregarding Court Order as Lagos–Calabar Highway Project Faces Backlash
Property Owners Protest Abuja Over Court Order Disregard in Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Project
Property owners and affected investors have staged a peaceful protest at the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, alleging the federal government is ignoring a subsisting court order related to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway diversion to Okun-Ajah in Lagos.
The group, which includes homeowners and the Winhomes Global Services consortium, claims minister David Umahi approved a realignment of the highway into a legally acquired property without addressing an existing court order to pause such an action. In April 2025, the stakeholders formally demanded that Umahi explain his refusal to comply and verify authorisation from relevant authorities such as the National Assembly or Lagos State Government. Reddit+12The Nation Newspaper+12Peoples Gazette Nigeria+12Nairametrics+1
The protest coincides with ongoing litigation. In a separate ruling, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi dismissed a ₦1 billion suit against the highway project in June 2025, imposing a ₦6 million cost on the plaintiffs for posting procedural defects. Critics say it further demonstrates the government’s disregard for due process. The Guardian
Responding to compensation complaints, the FG earlier announced that an N18 billion compensation committee is operational, and N15 billion has already been paid to some affected property owners. Despite this, many stakeholders maintain that payments are inadequate and pending. Peoples Gazette NigeriaNairametrics
As concerns grow over contract award transparency, investor confidence, and procedural integrity, protesters are urging both the Minister of Works and President Tinubu to uphold rule of law and bridge their trust deficit with affected communities.
